BERKELEY — Daniel Scott is able to depart his six-year residency at Cal for a promising profession as an NFL security.
“Between the ears, the mind a part of soccer, is form of what units me aside,” Scott stated at Thursday’s pro-day exercise earlier than a cadre of scouts at Memorial Stadium.
Scott is without doubt one of the Bay Space’s high prospects for subsequent month’s NFL Draft, and he was the star attraction at Cal’s professional day, which additionally noticed sturdy efforts from large receiver Kekoa Crawford, working again Marcel Dancy, and punter Jamieson Sheahan.
Scott’s inventory shot up final month on the NFL Scouting Mix in Indianapolis, the place his 4.45-second time within the 40-yard sprint ranked second amongst 19 safeties.
Scott had a proper interview there with the 49ers, who may envision him as a future tandem with Talanoa Hufanga. The 49ers lately re-signed Tashaun Gipson Sr. after he paired effectively with Hufanga final season; Gipson, 32, signed a one-year deal, and the backup corps consists of George Odum, Myles Hartsfield and Tayler Hawkins.
Scott, 24, is 15 months older than Hufanga, who made The Related Press’ All-Professional Workforce final yr in his second season because the 49ers’ sturdy security.
Requested which safeties he admires most, Scott replied: “I like Jordan Poyer with the Payments. I additionally like Hufanga down the road with the 49ers; he’s a baller. And Minkah Fitzpatrick in the course of the sector.
“I don’t essentially prefer to copycat one particular person or the opposite,” Scott stated, “however I like to look at numerous movie and see one thing they do effectively that I can translate into Daniel Scott.”
Scott began 28 of the 49 video games he performed at Cal after redshirting as a 2017 freshman. He recorded seven interceptions, three compelled fumbles, one fumble restoration, seven go breakups and 4 quarterback hurries. He dominated Cal’s Large Sport win over Stanford final fall, producing 10 tackles, a compelled fumble and a 40-yard interception return.
These stats gained’t issue a lot into his rookie-year probabilities within the NFL.
“I do know I’m not an All-Professional security proper now. I’ve acquired strides to make,” Scott stated. “However I do know numerous groups say you’re going to make your cash and your roster spot enjoying particular groups, and never solely did I try this right here at Cal, however I’m excited to do this on the skilled stage.”
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions already are planning to host Scott for pre-draft visits subsequent month, with extra suitors doubtless, particularly after his speedy displaying on the mix. A few of these visits are sometimes reserved for medical exams, and Smith famous he’s stayed wholesome the previous 4 years.
“Every time you might have a man that may run these occasions, you’re going to attract numerous eyes,” former Cal and NFL security Chris Conte stated. “It nonetheless reveals that pace is king in soccer. It’s such an essential issue. Every time you may excel there, it’s going to convey numerous consideration.”
Scott didn't run a follow-up, 40-yard sprint at Cal’s professional day, however he did do place drills that included monitoring passes from 49ers faculty scout Hayden Frey.
Scott, a Pasadena native, stated he’s been intent on displaying groups he’s a “polished skilled” who's detail-oriented. The mix, he famous, helped tremendously, not simply together with his on-field displaying however in workforce visits the place some quizzed him on schemes and “ran me by a mini-install of what they run with their philosophy.”
Scott performed within the Senior Bowl in Cellular, Ala., earlier than heading to the mix with a chip on his shoulder.
“It motivated me a bit extra to show some folks mistaken, as a result of some folks counted me out and didn’t suppose I'd carry out as effectively,” Scott added.