On The Plains with Keionte Scott: ‘Something I'll never forget'

AUBURN, Ala. – For Auburn senior Keionte Scott, the decision to come to Auburn was a “no-brainer.” As he thinks back to his initial visit to the Plains in 2021, he describes an immediate appreciation for Auburn that has only grown since.

“To see how full it was, how loud it was, and just the excitement about the game that I love so much— I instantly fell in love with the place,” Scott said about his first experience in Jordan-Hare Stadium.

The 22-year-old attended high school in San Diego, Calif., and spent his first year out of high school playing football at Snow College in Ephraim, Utah.

“It was definitely a blessing to come from community college to an SEC school,” Scott explained. “There was a difference in athletic support, student support and fan support. Being at a junior college gave me a different hunger and an all-around gratefulness for the game.”

Scott feels this gained perspective has caused him to appreciate Auburn even more.

“When I got to Auburn, I was just very appreciative of everything,” Scott said as he reflected on the initial transition. “I am thankful for junior college and the experience that it brought me, but the transition to Auburn has opened my eyes to what else is out there.”

The 2024 season will be Scott’s third playing in the stadium he fell in love with back in 2021, and he is extremely excited for what is to come.

“I’m just soaking it all in this year,” the senior stated. “It's the last time that I'll be able to get that experience from the fans. I’m making sure I cross all my Ts and dot all my Is, and letting my training and preparation take its course. I’m very excited for this season, and I can’t wait.”

As he enters his final season, it is not just football that Scott has in mind, but also his pride in getting an Auburn education.

“To always be able to say that I graduated with a degree from Auburn University— that's a big thing for me,” the sociology major, who is scheduled to graduate in December, stated.

Scott has seen some great moments in the past two years. Among the most memorable to him are his first Tiger Walk, his first Auburn touchdown, and his first interception. The SEC’s leader in punt return average in 2023 has been of incredible value.

However, his Auburn football career has not come without challenges. A sustained ankle injury last season kept him out for three games, yet Scott considers that to be one of the most meaningful experiences for his growth.

“That was a time when everything was on the line for me,” Scott said. “Being able to come back and accomplish what I accomplished at the end of last year was super big for me. I felt like it gave a lot of my teammates hope and a lot of people around me hope. Being able to go through that tough time and get back on the field and, honestly, look like nothing ever happened was something I'll never forget.”

The cornerback has found that it is all about your attitude when facing a challenging situation.

“I just created a recipe throughout all my challenges,” Scott explained. “Instead of focusing on what is going on, I try to focus on the small things and what I can control. It's not, ‘Why is this happening?’ It’s, ‘What can I learn from this?’ I’ve learned to focus on what I can do better, keep my faith in God and just trust Him.”

This positive outlook is something Scott models after his mother Lakeisha Hayes, whom he names the most influential person in his life. It is her support and guidance that made it possible for him to be where he is today. “My mom taught me everything I know. Everything I've seen her do, and go through and be strong about, I try to resemble.”

Scott has also formed “lifelong bonds” with his teammates. He was able to learn from older players like Derick Hall, Owen Pappoe, and Jaylin Simpson; those relationships with his teammates are and will continue to be incredibly meaningful to him.

“Every person I have come in contact with on this team I can honestly say is my brother,” Scott said. “I love those guys, and I can’t wait to see what they do in their careers and how we all blossom. I can’t wait until we can come back together and talk about the times we had at Auburn.”

The relationships made and lessons learned will go with Scott as he leaves the Plains. He is excited to be accomplishing goals that are extremely important to him.

“I feel like the biggest goal I accomplished was putting myself in a position to be the first one to graduate from college in my family,” Scott said. “To be able to show my family and show other kids that look up to me that it's very doable to come to college as an athlete, and it’s doable for someone who's been through so much to come and finish what they started -- that’s the biggest thing.”

As he prepares to leave Auburn, Scott is looking forward to the future, where he hopes to continue doing what he loves while also helping others. “My plan is to prepare myself to take the next step in my journey in football, finding ways to generate business, and finding ways to give back to the community.”

Overall, the veteran feels extremely grateful for the Auburn Family and the incredible support system he has found in them.

“Ever since I signed that dotted line, the fans have supported me,” Scott explained. “They love Auburn. I have had some of the craziest experiences in that stadium, and seeing how excited people are for Auburn gets you excited for Auburn.

“I just want to say thank you guys for taking me in and supporting me throughout this whole journey,” Scott said. “I hope I've left Auburn better than I found it, as was one of my goals to do. Thank you and always continue to love Auburn like you will.”