Note: The following appears in the Louisville football gameday program.
As a Greenville, S.C. native, senior defensive tackle Jaheim Scott always had a desire to play football at Clemson. But it was not until his junior year at Clemson that he was able to finally fulfill this dream.
Scott grew up about an hour from campus, as he attended Wade Hampton High School. He lettered in football there all four years, playing defensive tackle and guard. His success at Wade Hampton High School did not go unnoticed, as he earned an opportunity to play Division II football at Erskine.
Scott joined Erskine as part of a program that would allow him to spend three years at Erskine and two years at Clemson. The program was dual-degree, allowing for Scott to achieve a mathematics degree from Erskine and an engineering degree from Clemson.
“When I chose Erskine, it was a three-and-two program that they have with Clemson, so I was going to do a mathematics degree at Erskine, and then when I arrived at Clemson, complete an engineering degree. It’s a dual-degree program, so that influenced my decision. I applied for Clemson before I received the offer from Erskine, so it was always in the plans to come here at some point.”
Scott played all three years during his time at Erskine. His best statistical year came in 2022 during his junior season and final year at Erskine, where he totaled 20 tackles, including six tackles in a game against Mars Hill.
After graduating from Erskine with a mathematics degree, as planned, Scott transferred to Clemson to finish out his collegiate program. The only issue for Scott was there was no guarantee he would play football with the Tigers. However, Scott was determined to live out his dream when he decided to walk-on to the team in 2023.
A roadblock occurred for Scott when he arrived, as he was expected to be ineligible to play in a game for his one or two years on the team. However, he was content with serving the program as a scout-team member.
“When I first walked on, I thought I would be good to play. I thought everything transferred fine, but some things were not in order. I kept a good head on my shoulders and tried to stay positive about everything. Even if it didn’t work out, there are a lot of people who would do anything to be in the position that I’m in, even if I’m not playing. I tried to stay positive and focus on the postive things.”
After being a member of the 2023 team and entering the 2024 season without the prospects of being able to play in a game, he received great news that the NCAA deemed him eligible to participate in games.
Meanwhile, Scott’s work in camp and practices did not go unnoticed. Then on Sept. 7 against App State, he made his Tiger debut and registered a tackle. He has played three games for the Tigers in all in 2024.
“I wasn’t expecting to go in. I’ve been keeping my nose down, grinding, hoping, just making sure I know what I’m doing for the next time my number gets called.”
Scott is on track to graduate in May and receive a degree in mechanical engineering.
“Mechanical engineering is a little difficult, especially with the workload. It takes a lot of time out of my day, especially having to be here and then having to go home and focusing on work and homework.”
In what has been a whirlwind of a college career for the Palmetto State native, there is no doubt that Scott will be ready for the next challenge he faces.
