Nic Scourton

OVERVIEW

 Nic Scourton is a high-upside edge rusher with a relentless motor and the tools to disrupt any backfield. His ability to convert speed to power, paired with a dynamic spin move, makes him a consistent threat off the edge. Scourton's knack for setting the edge and racking up pressures is evident in his game tape, showcasing his potential to be a key contributor from day one. Despite his strengths, Scourton has some areas to refine. He needs to expand his arsenal of counter moves and improve hand placement to maximize his pass-rushing potential. His bend around the edge lacks fluidity, which could limit his effectiveness on third downs. Developing these aspects will be crucial for his transition to the pro level. Projected as a first-round talent, Scourton has the traits NFL teams covet in a pass rusher. With his frame, explosive power, and versatility, he can be an immediate impact player. If he polishes his technique and addresses his negatives. Scourton has the ceiling to become a dominant force in the NFL. 

BACKGROUND

 Scourton (previously known as Nic Caraway), originally from Bryan, Texas, attended Bryan High School where he excelled on the field, earning a four-star rating from 247 Sports and Rivals, and a three-star rating from ESPN. During his high school career, he recorded 136 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and five forced fumbles over his final two seasons. He played in the 2022 All-American Bowl, featuring the nation's top 100 high school football players. Scourton joined Purdue in 2022 and quickly made an impact as a freshman, playing in 13 games and accumulating 12 tackles, 4 assists, 11 stops, and 9 pressures, including 2 sacks. His sophomore season in 2023 was a breakout year, where he played in 11 games, recorded 34 tackles, 12 assists, 32 stops, and an impressive 8 sacks. He also led the team with 42 pressures and was named to the All-Big Ten team. He tied for the third-most run-defense stops in the Power Five with 25. Following his successful stint at Purdue, Scourton entered the transfer portal and is set to join Texas A&M for the 2024 season, bringing his impressive skill set and physical attributes to a new stage.

 ANALYSIS

 PROS

 Possesses violent hands and long arms, effectively warding off blockers and playing with a good pad level. Demonstrates excellent straight-line speed and the ability to win with power as a bull rusher. Shows a high motor and stamina, performing consistently into the fourth quarter. Converts speed to power effectively and can bend and corner, a rare trait for a 280-pound EDGE. Comfortable dropping into coverage, showcasing agility and hip fluidity uncommon for his build. Sets the edge well as a run defender, consistently getting off blocks and making plays. Has the ability to finish plays with closing speed and length, making tackles outside his frame. Displays a versatile pass-rush plan, using a mix of moves including a quick spin move.

CONS

 Needs to develop additional countermoves in his pass-rush arsenal. Sometimes struggles with physicality, failing to set the edge effectively in run defense. Limited flexibility and fluidity to bend around the edge, potentially restricting his role to early downs. Requires improvement in hand usage to maximize pass-rushing potential. Still a work in progress with his hand in the dirt, indicating room for growth in technique.

🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈

HISTORY -- From College bio

2024 Lott IMPACT Trophy Finalist
2024 Lombardi Trophy Semifinalist
2024 Bednarik Award Semifinalist
2024 Walter Camp Second Team All-American
2024 All-SEC First Team

2024 (JUNIOR): Started all 12 regular season games defensive end ... Ranked third in the SEC with 14.0 tackles for loss and led the team with 5.0 sacks ... Made three tackles, including a sack, against Notre Dame in his debut for the Aggies ... Had a hurry and a tackle for a 2-yard loss in the win at Florida ... Tallied six takedowns, including 1.0 for loss and added a hurry against Bowling Green ... Finished the win over Arkansas with 4.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks for 11 yards lost, a forced fumble, breakup and hurry, while his strip sack late in the fourth quarter got the ball back in A&M's hands and helped seal the victory ... Had three tackles, including 2.5 for 9 yards lost and 1.5 sacks, in the win over Missouri ... Made four tackles, 1.5 for a 6-yard loss, in the win over LSU ... Had four tackles at South Carolina ... Tallied four tackles, including 1.5 for loss, in thew in over New Mexico State ... Matched his season high with six tackles against Texas ... Was named Defensive MVP at the team award show. 

PRIOR TO TEXAS A&M: Registered 72 tackles, 48 solo takedowns, 17.0 tackles for loss, 12.0 sacks, three forced fumbles and three passes defended in two seasons at Purdue … Led the Big Ten and ranked eighth in the nation with 10.0 sacks, while totaling 50 tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss and one forced fumble to earn Second Team All-Big Ten recognition in 2023 … Appeared in 14 games making 22 tackles, including 15 solo takedowns, 2.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks as a true freshman in 2022. 
 
HIGH SCHOOL: Tabbed a 4-star recruit by 247sports and Rivals, was ranked the No. 105 prospect in the nation by Rivals coming out of Bryan High School … Played in the 2022 Army All-American Bowl … Recorded 136 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks and five forced fumbles in his junior and senior seasons to earn First Team All-District 12-6A honors.