Eastern Michigan Athletics
Photo by: Michael Vasilnek
Joshua Scott: Ready to Soar in His Final Season
8/28/2024 7:00:00 PM | Football
EMU opens the season Saturday, Aug. 31, at UMass
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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – For Eastern Michigan University senior defensive back Joshua Scott (Antioch, Calif./Deer Valley/City College of San Francisco), the upcoming football season is more than just another chance to play the game he loves; it's an opportunity to prove that he's back and better than ever after a year that tested his resolve.
A Return to Form
The 2023 season was a difficult one for Scott. An injury sidelined him for the majority of the year, allowing him to play just nine snaps. For an athlete used to being in the thick of the action, the experience was humbling. But rather than letting the setback define him, Scott used it as fuel to come back stronger.
"This whole last year just made me really hungry," Scott reflects. "Even though I was hurt, I was still working—watching film, getting right in the weight room. I knew I needed to put myself in the right position to succeed this year."
His determination and hard work have not gone unnoticed. Scott has returned to camp not only healthy but as a leader on a defense that has high expectations. He's embraced the challenge of guiding a young secondary, a task made easier by his passion for the game and his desire to give back to the program that's supported him.
Leadership in the Secondary
Eastern Michigan's defensive backfield has seen significant turnover, with many of Scott's peers moving on. This shift has left Scott and fellow seniors to step up as mentors to the younger players.
"It's an honor to be called a leader on this team," Scott says. "With a lot of new faces in the room, I've really taken that leadership role to heart. It's not just about setting an example on the field, but also helping these young guys understand the standard we have here."
That standard, as Scott explains, is one set by the coaching staff and the veterans who came before him. It's a tradition of excellence that he's determined to uphold, ensuring that the next generation of Eastern Michigan defenders is prepared to carry the torch.
Seatbelt Scotty and the Drive for Greatness
Scott's on-field persona, known as "Seatbelt Scotty," has become a staple of his identity. The nickname, which originated during his time at junior college, reflects his ability to lock down receivers and make crucial plays in the secondary. It's a moniker that his teammates have embraced, often mimicking the seatbelt motion after big plays.
"That came from my junior college DB coach, Brandon Younger. He commented 'Seatbelt Scotty' under one of my pictures, and it just stuck," Scott recalls. "I changed my Instagram name, and now it's who I am on the field."
But for Scott, the nickname is more than just a celebration of his skills. It's a reminder of the level of play he expects from himself every time he steps onto the field. "I don't want to cap myself," he says. "I just want to be the best player I can be every game, help my team win, and do my part."
A Special Season Ahead
As Scott prepares for his final season at Eastern Michigan, he's fully aware of the significance of what lies ahead. The team's motto for the year, "BET" (Believe Excellence Together), resonates deeply with him, especially after the challenges he faced in 2023.
"BET means a lot to me because it's like a bet season for me," Scott explains. "I was hurt last year—now what? I'm a little older—now what? It's about proving that I can come back stronger, and it's about us as a team showing everyone who we really are."
Scott's anticipation for the season is palpable, particularly the moment he'll run out onto the gray turf at Rynearson Stadium for the first home game of the year. "It's going to be special," he says. "We've put in a lot of work, and we don't want to disrespect anyone who came before us. We're excited to make this season something special."
A Personal Touch
When Scott isn't thinking about football, he's reflecting on the things that matter most to him—like the Nissan Sentra his grandfather gifted him as his first car. "It wasn't flashy, but it got me from point A to point B," Scott reminisces. "What made it special was that it came from my grandpa. I'll always appreciate him for that."
Now, as he looks to the future, Scott dreams of upgrading to something a bit more powerful—maybe a Trackhawk. But for now, his focus is squarely on the task at hand: leading his team, excelling on the field, and making his final season at Eastern Michigan one to remember.
A Message to Eagle Nation
As the season opener approaches, Scott has a simple message for Eastern Michigan's fans: "Come out, show out, and be loud for us. When y'all bring that energy, that's when we play our best. We're going to turn up for you guys and give you a show."
For Joshua Scott, this season isn't just about football; it's about redemption, leadership, and leaving a legacy that will inspire those who come after him. And if his determination is any indication, Eagle Nation is in for something special.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – For Eastern Michigan University senior defensive back Joshua Scott (Antioch, Calif./Deer Valley/City College of San Francisco), the upcoming football season is more than just another chance to play the game he loves; it's an opportunity to prove that he's back and better than ever after a year that tested his resolve.
A Return to Form
The 2023 season was a difficult one for Scott. An injury sidelined him for the majority of the year, allowing him to play just nine snaps. For an athlete used to being in the thick of the action, the experience was humbling. But rather than letting the setback define him, Scott used it as fuel to come back stronger.
"This whole last year just made me really hungry," Scott reflects. "Even though I was hurt, I was still working—watching film, getting right in the weight room. I knew I needed to put myself in the right position to succeed this year."
His determination and hard work have not gone unnoticed. Scott has returned to camp not only healthy but as a leader on a defense that has high expectations. He's embraced the challenge of guiding a young secondary, a task made easier by his passion for the game and his desire to give back to the program that's supported him.
Leadership in the Secondary
Eastern Michigan's defensive backfield has seen significant turnover, with many of Scott's peers moving on. This shift has left Scott and fellow seniors to step up as mentors to the younger players.
"It's an honor to be called a leader on this team," Scott says. "With a lot of new faces in the room, I've really taken that leadership role to heart. It's not just about setting an example on the field, but also helping these young guys understand the standard we have here."
That standard, as Scott explains, is one set by the coaching staff and the veterans who came before him. It's a tradition of excellence that he's determined to uphold, ensuring that the next generation of Eastern Michigan defenders is prepared to carry the torch.
Seatbelt Scotty and the Drive for Greatness
Scott's on-field persona, known as "Seatbelt Scotty," has become a staple of his identity. The nickname, which originated during his time at junior college, reflects his ability to lock down receivers and make crucial plays in the secondary. It's a moniker that his teammates have embraced, often mimicking the seatbelt motion after big plays.
"That came from my junior college DB coach, Brandon Younger. He commented 'Seatbelt Scotty' under one of my pictures, and it just stuck," Scott recalls. "I changed my Instagram name, and now it's who I am on the field."
But for Scott, the nickname is more than just a celebration of his skills. It's a reminder of the level of play he expects from himself every time he steps onto the field. "I don't want to cap myself," he says. "I just want to be the best player I can be every game, help my team win, and do my part."
A Special Season Ahead
As Scott prepares for his final season at Eastern Michigan, he's fully aware of the significance of what lies ahead. The team's motto for the year, "BET" (Believe Excellence Together), resonates deeply with him, especially after the challenges he faced in 2023.
"BET means a lot to me because it's like a bet season for me," Scott explains. "I was hurt last year—now what? I'm a little older—now what? It's about proving that I can come back stronger, and it's about us as a team showing everyone who we really are."
Scott's anticipation for the season is palpable, particularly the moment he'll run out onto the gray turf at Rynearson Stadium for the first home game of the year. "It's going to be special," he says. "We've put in a lot of work, and we don't want to disrespect anyone who came before us. We're excited to make this season something special."
A Personal Touch
When Scott isn't thinking about football, he's reflecting on the things that matter most to him—like the Nissan Sentra his grandfather gifted him as his first car. "It wasn't flashy, but it got me from point A to point B," Scott reminisces. "What made it special was that it came from my grandpa. I'll always appreciate him for that."
Now, as he looks to the future, Scott dreams of upgrading to something a bit more powerful—maybe a Trackhawk. But for now, his focus is squarely on the task at hand: leading his team, excelling on the field, and making his final season at Eastern Michigan one to remember.
A Message to Eagle Nation
As the season opener approaches, Scott has a simple message for Eastern Michigan's fans: "Come out, show out, and be loud for us. When y'all bring that energy, that's when we play our best. We're going to turn up for you guys and give you a show."
For Joshua Scott, this season isn't just about football; it's about redemption, leadership, and leaving a legacy that will inspire those who come after him. And if his determination is any indication, Eagle Nation is in for something special.
Players Mentioned
DB
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