Scott flies into enemy territory

In preseason football practice, Citadel defenders are not allowed to hit the quarterback under any circumstances.

But defensive end Milford Scott was so eager to make an impact that whenever he got within two yards of a QB, he'd shout "Sack! Sack!"

That became something of a running joke among the Bulldogs, who would yell, "Sack! Sack!" to tease the redshirt sophomore from West Ashley High School.

In recent weeks, though, Scott's impact has been no laughing matter. The 6-5, 235-pounder, who aspires to be an Air Force pilot, has blocked two punts this season, most recently in last week's 28-16 win over Samford. He's also altered at least six other kicks, according to coach Kevin Higgins.

Scott's huge wingspan and leaping skills forced a 19-yard punt in the Samford game to set up the Bulldogs' first touchdown, and helped Andre Roberts rip off punt returns of 41 and 36 yards in the fourth quarter.

In a 14-10 loss at Western Carolina on Oct. 17, Scott got his first block, and later forced a bad punt on the Catamounts' last kick that nearly allowed The Citadel to steal a victory.

"He's made a huge impact for us," Higgins said.

At least on special teams, Scott has helped to mitigate the loss of linebacker Mel Capers, whose career was ended this season by a congential spinal condition. Capers blocked four kicks last season, often coming off the edge to get his hand on a field goal or punt.

Scott operates in a different manner, barging up the middle to catapult himself over the three-man wedge most teams use to protect the punter. Citadel coaches put in a "jumping package" this year to attack those wedges, and Scott has proven to be the ideal player to make it work.

"With all the teams using the shield now, you need somebody who can force his way in and then get his hands up," Higgins said. "A lot of guys can jump and are athletic, but they don't want to hit the shield. And that's the key, to drop your shoulder and get some penetration, and then get your hands up.

"Milford has shown no fear whatsoever. He's not afraid to leave his feet and make a play."

Scott's efforts often end with him somersaulting over the wedge and landing on his head or shoulders.

"It's fun," said Scott, who played basketball and football and ran track for West Ashley High. "I'm just jumping as high as I can and hoping I can get my hands on the ball."

Scott came to The Citadel as a wide receiver after a brief tenure at the Air Force Academy prep school in Colorado Springs, Colo.

"Too far from home, too cold," he said. "I got homesick, so I came back to The Citadel. I'm a Charleston homeboy, and the beach is where I'm from."

Citadel coaches moved Scott from receiver to tight end before defensive line coach Sean Cronin staked his claim last spring, imagining Scott's large frame and quick first step as a defensive end.

"It was difficult moving around," Scott said. "But I really like it on the defensive side of the ball. I feel at home there."

Scott is getting some reps at defensive end on passing downs, and could have a shot the rotation next season after the graduation of senior Dewitt Jones. Scott also is under contract to go into the Air Force after graduation, and hopes to go to flight school and fly planes for a living.

But for now, there are more punts to block.