Justin Scott ‘24 Plays for the College Football National Championship

Justin’s journey to College Football’s biggest stage began when he was a freshman at Saint Ignatius interested more in basketball than football.

“At first, I just heard about this big kid walking the halls,” Head Football Coach Matt Miller told a reporter from On3.com. “I talked with Justin, and he was interested in playing football for the first time. Talking to his mom (Thelma Redmond) was next. She was worried I was going to put her son on varsity as a freshman, but I told her we would start him on junior varsity. I stuck to my word. He played junior varsity as a freshman before moving up to varsity as a sophomore. That’s when things took off.”

Justin exploded on both sides of the ball as a sophomore on varsity, recording 37 tackles on the defensive line and emerging as a threat at running back. Recruiters from the country’s top schools began to notice the two-way star from Chicago. As a senior, Justin was selected as The News-Gazette’s All-State Player of the Year and propelled the Wolfpack to an 8-4 record and a trip to the IHSA Final Fours.

But Justin didn’t give up on his basketball. He led Saint Ignatius to the IHSA Final Fours as a senior and became the Wolfpack’s all-time leader in career rebounds per game.

After committing to The Ohio State University, Justin changed paths in December 2023 and enrolled at the University of Miami. Justin’s 23 tackles and forced fumble this season have made him an integral part of the Hurricanes’ unlikely run to the National Championship against the undefeated Indiana University.

“Justin is a winner,” said Head Boys Basketball Coach Matt Monroe. “He certainly is a gifted athlete, but what stands out the most about him is the person he is. He is a natural leader and hard worker who is open to growth, humble, and driven. We wish him the best of luck as he pursues the National Championship. Go 'Canes!”