There is a lot of buzz surrounding Arkansas defensive tackles coach John Scott Jr. and the vacant defensive line coaching position at South Carolina.

Scott’s journey has taken him to Arkansas from the New York Jets where he was assistant defensive line coach. Before that, he coached the defensive line coach at Texas Tech and Georgia Southern prior. He got his start at Western Carolina, where he was a defensive end and later returned as a coach back in 2006. It is unclear as to whether Scott is being pursued to coach the entire defensive line or part of it.

The 43-year old Scott grew up in Greer (SC), and played at Greer High School, so he is no stranger to the Gamecocks or the state of South Carolina. Greer is only 100 miles from Columbia. Much of his strength as a recruiter is also in the region of South Carolina and Georgia. While the Hogs have had some success in Georgia, and while Scott played a role in Arkansas’ standout 2019 defensive line class, he may have more of an impact as a recruiter farther east.

South Carolina will have some key visitors on campus this weekend on the defensive line, starting with 2019 official visitor Jaquaze Sorrells, a 6-2, 292-pound 4-star recruit out of Winter Park (Fla.) who might be interested to know who his position coach would be if he chooses the Gamecocks over Penn State. The Gamecocks are also welcoming in a pair of standout defensive linemen in the Class of 2020 from Columbia (SC) Hammond School in 5-star defensive end Jordan Burch, 6-5, 250, and 4-star defensive tackle Alex Huntley. So, there’s that...

Arkansas has eight defensive line commitments in the 2019 recruiting class, and all but Cedar Grove (Ga.) Ellenwood defensive end Dante Walker, 6-3, 240, has signed a National Letter of Intent. Walker’s primary recruiter is Scott. The Mansfield (Texas) Legacy defensive line duo of Enoch Jackson and Taurean Carter have signed with the Razorbacks are both are expected to play in the interior. Arkansas also landed the signature of Warren (Ark.) defensive tackle Marcus Miller. Miller is taking his official visit to Arkansas this weekend. As it stands, there aren't any non-committed defensive line recruits Arkansas is known to currently be pursuing for the Class of 2019. The Hogs appear to want a couple of defensive ends for 2020, but defensive tackle recruiting in 2020 does not seem to be a huge priority due to strong numbers at the position.

Where might Arkansas look to replace Scott if he does take the South Carolina job? A name to consider might be Appalachian State defensive line coach Buddy Wyatt, who coached under Morris at SMU from 2015-17, though it is unclear why Wyatt did join Morris in Fayetteville last year. A native of Victoria (in southeast Texas) and a former TCU player, Wyatt could possibly further strengthen Arkansas’ recruiting in the Lone Star State. Wyatt has served as defensive line coach at programs like Alabama (2003-06), Nebraska (2007), Texas A&M (2000-02, 2008-09) and Kansas (2009-14).