SHOCKING NEWS : Gee Scott Jr. Has Lost His Title of Being the Best Tight End of Ohio State Due To… see details

SHOCKING NEWS : Gee Scott Jr. Has Lost His Title of Being the Best Tight End of Ohio State Due To… see details

When it comes to the storied history of Ohio State football, the tight end position has been an essential part of the team’s success. In recent years, Gee Scott Jr. was hailed as a potential future star for the Buckeyes, a player with the size, skill set, and athleticism to take the tight end position to new heights. However, as the 2024 season progresses, it appears that Scott’s status as the “best” tight end at Ohio State is being questioned, and his title may now be in jeopardy.

What went wrong for Gee Scott Jr., and why has he lost his title as the top tight end in Columbus? To understand the shift in status, we need to examine Scott’s rise, his early potential, the competition he’s faced, and the various factors that have contributed to his decline in prominence.

The Rise of Gee Scott Jr.

Gee Scott Jr. entered Ohio State as one of the most highly touted recruits in the country. A 4-star prospect out of Eastside Catholic High School in Sammamish, Washington, Scott’s combination of size (6’3”, 225 pounds) and athleticism made him a natural fit for the tight end position. In high school, he was known for his ability to make plays both in the passing game and as a blocker, making him a dual-threat tight end that could contribute in multiple facets of the game.

Scott initially committed to Ohio State as part of the 2020 recruiting class, a class that included several future stars, such as quarterback CJ Stroud and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. Early on, Scott was seen as a player with high potential who could provide mismatches in both the running and passing game. With his combination of size and speed, he was expected to evolve into a primary target for future quarterbacks, someone who could stretch the field and provide a safety valve on key third downs.

Early Struggles and Position Changes

Despite his promise, Scott’s early career at Ohio State didn’t quite unfold as many expected. As a freshman in 2020, Scott saw limited action, with just one catch for 7 yards, a far cry from the high expectations set for him. The tight end position at Ohio State has long been a difficult spot to break into, with the program consistently fielding elite talent at every position, particularly at wide receiver. However, for a tight end to make a name for themselves, it often requires strong blocking ability and the ability to be an effective weapon in the passing game.

Scott’s blocking skills, while serviceable, were still a work in progress. Moreover, his opportunities in the passing game were limited, with Ohio State’s offense often leaning heavily on its wide receiver corps. As a result, Scott found himself competing for snaps with other talented tight ends like Jeremy Ruckert, who was the starter during Scott’s first few seasons in Columbus. Ruckert, a more polished player, was a favorite target of the Ohio State offense, especially in red zone situations, and had a far more prominent role in the passing game.

This lack of playing time and development at Ohio State led to some frustration for Scott. In the years that followed, he struggled to make his mark as one of the program’s top tight ends, and his career trajectory began to feel uncertain.

Enter Cade Stover: The New Face of Ohio State’s Tight End Group

As Gee Scott Jr. grappled with his place in the program, a new challenger emerged for the title of Ohio State’s top tight end: Cade Stover.

Stover, a native of Mansfield, Ohio, came to Ohio State as a highly rated recruit, but his early years were marked by position changes. Initially recruited as a linebacker, Stover transitioned to tight end during his time at Ohio State, and it became quickly evident that his skill set and athleticism made him a force to be reckoned with at the position. Stover’s blocking ability, combined with his improved route running and pass-catching, made him a more complete player than Scott at that point in time.

By the 2022 season, Stover had begun to emerge as one of Ohio State’s most reliable offensive weapons. He played a critical role in the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense, serving as a key red zone target and a dependable option for quarterback CJ Stroud. Stover’s ability to stretch the field, combined with his strong blocking, made him a versatile weapon that Ohio State could use in a variety of situations. He finished the 2022 season with 36 receptions for 406 yards and 5 touchdowns, cementing his status as the primary tight end on the roster.

In contrast, Scott’s role remained minimal. While still contributing as a reserve tight end, Scott wasn’t able to match Stover’s consistency or effectiveness on the field. Stover’s rise to prominence came at a time when Scott’s development seemed to stagnate, with his opportunities to showcase his talents dwindling.

Injury Setbacks and Inconsistent Play

Another factor that has contributed to Gee Scott Jr.’s fall from grace has been his injury history. Injuries can derail a promising career, and unfortunately for Scott, they’ve been a persistent issue. In 2021, Scott suffered a back injury that limited his availability during the season. While he was able to return to the field in 2022, it was clear that he wasn’t able to perform at the level that was expected of him.

These injury setbacks have been a significant impediment to Scott’s development. While many players can recover from injuries, it’s often difficult for a player to regain their form after a long layoff, particularly in a competitive environment like Ohio State football. For a player like Scott, who had yet to fully carve out a consistent role in the offense, the injury issues further complicated his progress.

Meanwhile, Stover was able to stay healthy and capitalize on his opportunity. As Scott’s availability was limited, Stover continued to improve and develop into one of the most well-rounded tight ends in the country. His performances in big games, including in the College Football Playoff, highlighted his growth and made him a key piece of Ohio State’s offense heading into the 2023 season.

A Change in Offensive Philosophy

In addition to competition from Stover, Ohio State’s offensive philosophy may have played a role in Gee Scott Jr.’s decline. The Buckeyes have historically run a high-powered passing offense that prioritizes the wide receiver position, with the likes of Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba often serving as the focal points of the offense. This trend has made it challenging for tight ends to consistently be featured in the game plan.

Under head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have leaned heavily on a dynamic passing attack that has often left tight ends as secondary options. While the tight end has always been a crucial part of the blocking game, Ohio State’s reliance on the spread offense and its deep group of wide receivers has meant that tight ends are often relegated to blocking roles, with limited opportunities to shine in the passing game.

This shift in offensive philosophy, combined with the emergence of other skilled players, has further limited Scott’s opportunities to prove himself as the top tight end. With Stover serving as the go-to tight end and the offense focusing more on wideouts and the running game, Scott’s potential remains largely untapped. As a result, Scott’s role in the offense has become even less significant, leading to his eventual loss of the title of the best tight end on the roster.

Conclusion: The End of an Era?

Gee Scott Jr. was once seen as Ohio State’s future at the tight end position, a player capable of making a significant impact for the Buckeyes. However, due to a combination of factors — including fierce competition from Cade Stover, injuries, inconsistent play, and a changing offensive philosophy — Scott has struggled to fulfill the expectations that once surrounded him.

At the beginning of his career, Scott had the potential to emerge as one of the top tight ends in college football. But now, with Stover firmly entrenched as the team’s top option and other emerging players like 2024 recruit Ty Lockwood entering the mix, it’s clear that Scott has fallen out of the spotlight.

While it’s not necessarily the end of Scott’s career at Ohio State, it’s clear that his path to becoming the top tight end is no longer as straightforward as it once appeared. The position is deep with talent, and Scott will have to continue fighting for his place in a crowded field. If he can stay healthy, refine his skills, and find a way to get more involved in the offense, there may still be hope for a comeback. However, for now, the title of “best tight end” at Ohio State belongs to Cade Stover, and Gee Scott Jr. will have to find a new way to make his mark in the program.