**Miami Hurricanes May Be Without Star Defensive Back Keionte Scott for Some Time**
Miami Gardens – Transfer defensive back Keionte Scott has been a revelation for Miami’s defense this season, but the Hurricanes may have to play without him for an extended period. The senior nickelback suffered a “serious” injury, UM coach Mario Cristobal revealed after the Hurricanes’ blowout win over N.C. State on Saturday.
Scott was seen wearing a walking boot on his right foot before the game, underscoring the severity of the injury. “You miss him,” Cristobal said. “It’s a serious injury and it’s one that’s heart-wrenching, gut-wrenching, really.”
Scott, who joined Miami in the summer after last playing at Auburn, quickly became a star in the Hurricanes’ strong defense. This season, he has recorded 29 tackles, three sacks, and an interception — a pick-six against Syracuse last week. Pro Football Focus has also given Scott high marks, awarding him a 90.3 defensive grade, the best in the ACC among defensive backs entering this week’s games.
“He means so much to this team, and as good of a player as he is, he wants to win,” Cristobal said. “That’s all he cares about. He’s up for so many awards. And he’s a big part of the heart and soul of our team.”
In Scott’s absence, freshman Bryce Fitzgerald started at nickelback. Fitzgerald contributed two tackles and one pass breakup.
“I think having him on the sideline as a coach, as a leader, his enthusiasm, his voice was very impactful and powerful, and the guys that stepped in did a really good job,” Cristobal added.
Other players in the secondary also stepped up, including safety Jakobe Thomas, who notched two interceptions in the win.
“That’s a true teammate,” Thomas said of Scott. “A guy that you can lean on, on and off the field. Keionte is one of my best friends and I’ll say it every day — he’s probably the greatest teammate I’ve ever had in my life. He takes care of all those young guys. Bryce had to step in at nickel this week, and Keionte made sure that he knew every call, helped with everything. He was the most juiced on the sideline on every play. So he’s a great guy.”
As Miami looks ahead, the team will rely on the leadership and growth of players like Fitzgerald and Thomas to continue its defensive dominance while hoping for a strong recovery from Scott.
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/15/hurricanes-scott-injury/