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Position: WR
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 185
Hometown: Ellicott City, Md
High School: Our Lady of Good Counsel HS
Year: RS Junior
Twitter: @EarlJay19
Recruited by schools such as Iowa, Maryland, Rutgers and Pitt, E.J. Scott was obviously well liked as a recruit. Because of his lack of size, he wasn't recruiting by the big boys despite his skills and football IQ. But he had very good speed and quickness and was already a very advanced route runner. Most teams, the Hoos included, saw him as a very good slot receiver prospect.
Scott was a 3 star WR, and was ranked the #111 WR by ESPN and #106 by Scout (Rivals did not rank him). He redshirted during his first year on grounds, which was mostly about building up some muscle. He missed most of his redshirt freshman season with an injury, but did see his first action, returning 4 KOs for an average of over 24 ypa.
Then last year, as a sophomore, he broke out. He finished 5th on the team in receiving yards, 4th in receptions and TDs. He was the leading receiver in both the Maryland and Duke games. Considering he was often the 4th WR in the game, and the number of different WRs we rotated, those numbers are impressive. Also considering that Scott is just a sophomore and has 2 years remaining on the field.
The Hoos are likely to use a variety of formations under new OC Steve Fairchild. This includes various different 3 WR sets. While Fairchild wants to be able to run the ball, something which has long been a strength of UVA football, the Hoos had trouble running the ball last year due to OL problems. If the Hoos OL struggles again, they are going to need to throw more, which would mean more multiple WR sets. There are a number of options for the slot guy. Scott is a guy who can run quick inside routes and make something happen once he gets his hands on the ball. His primary competition for the slot position is Dominique Terrell. Scott and Dominique Terrell are similar players, with Scott being a better route runner and Terrell being a more dynamic ball carrier. Scott also has better hands. Jake McGee will also see a lot of time in the slot, although those wouldn't technically be 3 WR sets.
Scott is listed as the 4th WR on the depth chart, but really he's the primary backup to Terrell in the slot. Because the Hoos have so much depth at WR, Scott likely won't see a whole lot of time on the outside. Perhaps in some garbage time situations, and in 4 or 5 WR formations. The Hoos have bigger options for the outside WR spots, and Scott's skills fit better on the inside.
The depth chart for the Hoos is basically the same as last year, so there's no reason to think Scott can't build on last year's numbers. That is, of course, provided we can find a QB who can consistently get the ball to the WRs.