2026 Wisconsin commit Arthur Scott, a three star defensive lineman at Streetsboro High School in Streetsboro, Ohio, recently talked with the Badger Herald about his senior season and his commitment to Wisconsin ahead of Early National Signing Day, which is Dec. 3.
Scott stands at 6-foot-3, 312 pounds: boasting incredible size, strength and athleticism. Able to play off the edge or up the middle, Scott draws a mismatch no matter what. He’s quicker and stronger than anyone who dares to try and block him.
Reflecting on his own strengths and weaknesses, Scott listed power and agility as his two biggest strengths. Well, when he can bench 450 pounds for three reps, certainly no one will doubt his strength.
Scott’s ability to move, along with his size, long arms and strength, is truly impressive.
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“The first clip on my highlight reel is me jumping over someone,” Scott said.
In fact, his athletic ability is so impressive, that he’s gotten two carries at running back during his senior season.
“It was out of a jumbo package … they forgot I’m an athlete,” Scott said.
While he didn’t score on either of his attempts, he has averaged 3.5 yards per carry on his two attempts.
As for his weaknesses, he lists bendability, flexibility, hand movement and pad level as things he can work on.
“That isn’t to say they’re bad… [they] can always get better,” Scott said.
These skills are vital for any defensive lineman, serving as points of emphasis and continuous improvement for everyone. Even the pros constantly need to get better at those skills. So, this is an understandable “weakness” to have no doubt. It’s the ability to self-analyze, find those weaknesses, and work on them that’s exciting to see in a young player.
In fact, Scott had five and a half sacks his junior year across 13 games. In only eight games his senior year, he has already matched that total. So, it’s safe to say he’s improved in the pass rush department.
When asked why he chose Wisconsin, Scott said Wisconsin felt like home, which is undoubtedly important for him, as he lives about eight hours away from Madison. He also said that Wisconsin is a great program and a school with good academics.
Most notably, he mentioned there was a strong brotherhood with the team. It’s certainly hard to doubt that, especially after Wisconsin snapped its losing skid with a ranked win and upset over then No. 24 Washington.
Scott also said he’s bought into Fickell’s vision. He believes in it, remarking that Fickell is a great guy who is determined in what he does.
When Scott visited for the spring game, he said Fickell was, apart from just being determined, very fired up and motivated in everything he did. He then went on to say how much he loves that, proceeding to go on about how if Fickell was that fired up and motivated for the spring game, how much more is he fired up on gamedays? For ranked games? Against rivals?
While he may not come off as emotional on the sidelines or in front of cameras, it appears Fickell really gets through to his players and recruits. Additionally, Scott and Fickell shared another commonality.
“He [Fickell] was a D-Lineman at Ohio State… he played my same position at the highest level,” Scott said.
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As of Nov. 13, Wisconsin’s run defense ranks as 20th in the nation in opposing rushing yards per game, and 16th when they are at Camp Randall. This raises a unique opportunity for Scott, who will get a chance to play meaningful minutes for a defense that has already been elite.
“I’ll be joining a very good situation on defense… defense wins championships,” Scott remarked.
The Wisconsin defensive line has been great no doubt. But, there are six total players who are graduate students or seniors. So, someone is going to have to step up and earn that playing time.
When asked about this opportunity to play right away, Scott, rather simply and understandably, said it gets him really excited. But, excitement doesn’t always equal results on the field.
“I have to go in there and put in work right away,” Scott remarked.
It’s nice to see that excitement, yet, determination and motivation in a young player, especially one with impressive physicals and abilities that should easily translate to the next level.
During his senior year, Sept. 28 against Norton High School, Scott posted an unbelievable total of 18 tackles in one game – as a defensive lineman.
Interestingly, he said it doesn’t necessarily speak to his ability as a defensive lineman. Rather, it displays his effort, as Scott believes that effort is the key to being a great defensive lineman.
“I give effort anyway I can… [I give] effort all around,” Scott said.
Scott is a recruit that’s incredibly easy to get excited about. A defensive lineman with incredible size, strength, and speed is hard to come across. Now, mix that with his determination, motivation, and effort, and all that’s left is a recruit that any school would be fired up bring in to their program.
Scott, who’s ranking has only gone up his senior season, certainly has the mindset and ability to make a difference at Wisconsin. And, as of Nov. 20, has officially shut down his recruiting.
“I am 100% committed to Wisconsin, my recruitment is shut down #lockedin #OnWisconsin,” Scott said, on X.
The Metro Athletic Conference Division Four Defensive Player of the Year is ready to take Madison by storm.