Sunday Morning Spotlight: Bart Scott

July 27, 2012; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets linebackers Bart Scott (57) and David Harris (52) look on during training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-US PRESSWIRE

This week in the Sunday morning spotlight, we take a look at one of the best known Jets. He was Rex’s first target to come over to New York when he arrived, but had a rough year in 2011. He is motivated to make a big splash in 2012. Spotlight on LB Bart Scott.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Bart grew up in a violent, crime infested area on the East side of Detroit, no doubt contributing to his edgy attitude on and off the field. Through this time, he got guidance from many people around him, such as his family members, along with his high school coach.

At Southeastern High School in Detroit, Bart played linebacker and running back(can you imagine Bart at running back?). He was noted in college for his 110% effort on the field, never coming off. As a Senior, Scott recorded 76 tackles, and led his team in rushing with 635 yards. He received interest from a great many schools, but he initially had some low SAT scores, so schools stayed away. Bart worked to improve the scores, and he ended up at Southern Illinois University.

While at Southern Illinois, Scott played both linebacker and safety. During his junior year, Bart was suspended for 6 games for an altercation with the team’s defensive coordinator when they argued about him eating during a team meeting.

A new coaching staff was in place for Bart’s senior year, and they were impressed by Bart’s skills, and they were rewarded by his performance. He led the team with 127 tackles and 5.5 sacks, earning him first team All-Gateway conference honors.

Believe it or not, Bart Scott was not drafted, signing as an undrafted free agent with the Ravens.

After spending his first three years primarily on special teams, Bart cracked the starting lineup in 2005, and finished the year with 92 tackles and 4 sacks. He then had his best year in 2006, recording 103 tackles and 9.5 sacks. He had clearly become a standout linebacker under defensive coordinator Rex Ryan’s wing, saying he would follow Rex Ryan anywhere.

At the get go of free agency in 2009, Rex Ryan was at Bart’s house, inking Bart to a 6 year contract to come to New York and bring the Rex Ryan defense with him. Bart recorded 92 tackles in 2009 as he led the Jets along the Rex Ryan way.

After 81 tackles in 2010, Bart had an off year in 2011, recording only 66 tackles. He was seen as a liability in pass coverage, and found himself off the field on passing downs, much to his disappointment, leading to some problems between Bart and the coaching staff.

Bart has ironed those problems out, and is fit, and ready to lead the Jets in 2012. Spotlight on LB Bart Scott.