Miami's defense could get an extra boost for Saturday's CFP first-round playoff game against Texas A&M. Mario Cristobal said that he feels good about the potential availability of starting cornerback Keionte Scott.
Scott, who arrived in Miami by way of Auburn and Houston, has been one of the leaders on the Hurricanes' defense this season. He has missed the past three games with a right foot injury. At one point it was thought that Scott might be done for the season, but now there's a good chance he will suit up Saturday.
Mario Cristobal said he feels strongly nickelback Keionte Scott will be back for Saturday's playoff game at Texas A&M. He's been out a month. "He's looking great. We'll see what it looks like later in the week."
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Cristobal added that Scott's playing status will depend on how he looks this week.
"No one is ever going to get cleared unless a doctor clears them. But there's also a mental aspect that goes into recovery that, you either push yourself mentally and your positive," Cristobal said. "He has done that and he looks great. So we'll see what he looks like later in the week.
Scott has proven to be a key piece in the puzzle
Miami's struggles on defense were a big reason why the Hurricanes didn't make the playoffs last year and those improvements are likely the reason they are in this year. With the additions of Scott and Jakobe Thomas from the transfer portal, Miami's secondary has taken a major jump, with both veterans and younger guys playing a significant role in the turnaround.
Cristobal credits Scott for bringing the necessary leadership to the unit, and a few weeks ago, Thomas called Scott one of the best teammates he's ever had.
"I think he's exactly how you would draw up a football player," Cristobal added.
Are the Hurricanes in good health?
Maybe the one benefit from not playing in the ACC Championship Game was the additional week of recovery. Miami hasn't played since November 29, giving the Hurricanes a solid three-week break that allowed some healing time for season-long bumps and bruises.
"We're in a good spot," Cristobal said. "We're healthier than we've been in the previous four weeks and certainly [Scott] is a big component of the health of this team."