TUSCALOOSA, Ala.– For NFL scouts, the Alabama-LSU game that annually starts the month of November is an opportunity for them to see the best in offensive and defensive players.
They get so locked into huge tackles, marquee runs, precision passing, timely receptions and smooth technique from linemen, that sometimes the biggest aspect is overlooked. His position, though it does not provide appeal, has been the difference against the Tigers.
During his four years at the University of Alabama, JK Scott has unarguably been the most consistent player for this program. While his workout regimen is the same versus every opponent, it seems as though playing LSU brings out the best in the senior’s full arsenal.
Scott’s averaged 49.2 yards a punt all-time when facing the Bayou Bengals, and of his 25 attempts, 11 have pinned the Tigers inside its own 20-yard line. Last season, he averaged 51.6 yards per boot – 6th best performance in school history — in a 10-0 win for the Crimson Tide.
The Denver, Colo., native commanded attention over the weekend as he tied his mark of averaging 51.6 yards a punt while dropping six of eight kicks inside the 20.
Scott not only held LSU wide receiver DJ Chark to two punt return yards, but he also sparked Alabama’s pass rush in his ability to flip the field. Three of the Tide’s six sacks came on possessions where the Tigers took over in rough field position, following a Scott punt.
In the midst of doing what he enjoys, a career milestone was lived. Scott became the first punter in school history to record 10,000 yards. His expertise in squeezing return specialists, having strong hang time and placing balls in ideal spots helped the Tide secure a 24-10 win.
JK Scott's last punt put him over 10,000 career punting yards, the first player in UA history over the 10k mark! #LSUvsBAMA #RollTide
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) November 5, 2017
Per head coach Nick Saban, last week’s game was Scott’s best outing of the season.
“He changed the field position three to four times in the game,” Saban said.
“In terms of not only the punt and distance, but the hang time because they (LSU) taking our gunners out. They only had six guys in the box so, we were able to release some guys from the inside and they did a great job of getting down there in coverage. The hang time and distance were very effective in changing field position and it’s really important in a game like this.”
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
