Benedictine’s Third Scroggins announces Miami football commitment
Benedictine’s Herbert “Third” Scroggins, a four-star junior edge/linebacker, will be headed from Coastal Georgia to Coastal Florida to play college football as he announced his commitment to play for Miami in a ceremony at the BC gym on Friday.
The 6-foot-2, 235-pounder had offers from a host of the top programs in the country – including Alabama, Tennessee and USC – but had narrowed down his final four to Miami, Auburn, North Carolina and Georgia Tech.
Scroggins has been an All-Greater Savannah first-team selection at linebacker the last two years. He was a key contributor his sophomore season as BC won the Class 4A state crown for the second year in a row. Last season, he had 84 tackles, including 10 for losses, with 11 sacks and 14 quarterback hurries as the Cadets advanced to the state semifinals.
He was set to announce his commitment on Tuesday but, after an official visit to Miami the weekend prior, Scroggins delayed the announcement of his decision until Friday, and the top recruiting analysts in the country starting leaning toward the Hurricanes.
Scroggins, who is an A student, said the family atmosphere at Miami was a big factor in choosing the Hurricanes.
“A lot of the schools are kind of business-like when it comes to recruiting,” Scroggins said. “But (Miami head coach Mario Cristobal) is a family guy. He knows his football, but I was able to connect with him and the rest of the staff as people. And to have Coach (Jason) Taylor coaching me, an NFL Hall of Famer, is just a blessing. He’s going to help me better my game and help me make it to the league.”
Benedictine coach Danny Britt said Scroggins is just as impressive as a person as he is as a player.
“Third is one of the best young men I’ve ever been around,” Britt said. “He has a mature, old soul and he is going to be great at whatever he wants to do for the rest of his life. He has a faith in God that guides him and it’s a big part of who he is. He’s just a very unique person.
“As a player, he is built beautifully. He’s so strong and quick coming off the edge, but he also has the ability to drop back and cover the skill guys. He’s so versatile and can do anything you need.”
Now Scroggins is focused on closing out his prep career with another title.
“I’m relieved to make my commitment early because the process is very stressful, but it’s been a blessing,” Scroggins said. “Going to Miami where there have been so many great players, guys like Ed Reed, another Hall of Famer. I’ll be ready to do the work and can’t wait to get started at ‘The U.’ But now my focus is on our team, my teammates and our goal. We’re going to be focused on the grind of practice, the weight room and my senior season.”
Dennis Knight covers sports for the Savannah Morning News. Contact him at [email protected]. Twitter: @DennisKnightSMN
