Former Michigan State running back LJ Scott signs with Cleveland Browns

LJ Scott, the Michigan State Spartans running back from 2015 through 2018, has signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League.

After Scott was not selected in the 2019 NFL Draft, it was initially reported that he would be signing a UDFA deal with the Baltimore Ravens, however when rookie minicamp rolled around last week, it was discovered that the Ravens brought in Scott on a tryout basis only, and did not sign him.

Scott is a Youngstown, Ohio native. He played high school ball at Hubbard, and now gets a chance to play close to home. After a short stint with the Ravens, he remains in the AFC North.

The Browns have a crowded backfield with Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt and Duke Johnson leading the way. However, Hunt is suspended for the first eight games of the season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, following a video showing Hunt assaulting a woman. Meanwhile, Johnson has requested to be traded out of Cleveland, and he skipped voluntarily workouts, but will participate in this week’s organized team activities. So there should be opportunity for Scott, not only to make the 53-man roster, but possibly even for some solid playing time.

Scott is ninth all-time in Michigan State program history with 2,855 yards. He also scored 25 career rushing touchdowns and averaged 4.7 yards per carry throughout his career. He also flashed some ability as a pass-catcher, with 43 receptions for 403 yards and two additional scores.

Unfortunately, Scott’s senior season was marred by injuries. He appeared in just five games, amassing a disappointing 264 yards, 3.3 yards per carry and zero touchdowns The injury history and lack of production is a likely reason why he went undrafted, but Scott possess prototypical NFL size as 6-feet tall, 227 pounds and is a physical runner who won’t shy away from contact.

We wish you the best of luck in your NFL endeavors, LJ!