CORAL GABLES — The Hurricanes may get a crucial player back for their road playoff game at Texas A&M on Saturday.
Defensive back Keionte Scott, who has missed three games with a foot injury, could return to the field this week, UM coach Mario Cristobal said Monday.
“I do (think Scott could play),” Cristobal said.
“In fact, I feel strongly” about Scott’s chances, Cristobal added.
Cristobal had previously said he feared Scott’s injury could keep him out for the remainder of the season.
Scott, who transferred from Houston after playing at Auburn, has 44 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, three sacks and an interception this year. Pro Football Focus gives Scott a 90.3 defensive grade, which is fourth in the nation among cornerbacks with 100 or more snaps.
“Obviously, you get a guy back like that, that’s a huge boost in all areas,” defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman said.
Cristobal said Scott has pushed himself to try to be ready for the upcoming playoff game.
“I think he’s exactly how you would draw up a football player,” Cristobal said. ” And not only by his level of play, but his mentality. … No one’s ever going to get cleared unless a doctor clears him. But there’s also a mental aspect that goes into recovery that you either push yourself mentally and you’re positive and you will yourself as part of it, and he has done that and he looks great. And he’s looking great. So we’ll see. We’ll see what it looks like later in the week.”
Hetherman also praised other players who have stepped up in the wake of Scott’s injury. Freshman defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald has started UM’s last three games and performed admirably.
“I think our guys have done a very good job,” Hetherman said. “I think guys have stepped up in different situations and different games and different packages, and I’m excited about the growth and development that our guys have had.”
