Scott-Emuakpor has something to prove

A year ago, East Lansing (Mich.) wide receiver Efe Scott-Emuakpor looked like a can't-miss prospect.

The 6-5, 185-pound Scott-Emuakpor had size and athleticism and he was coming off a 64-catch, 774-yard breakout sophomore season. Heading into his senior season, though, Scott-Emuakpor holds just one scholarship offer.

"I feel like my recruitment might have been pushed back a little bit because I got hurt my junior year," Scott-Emuakpor said. "I think my junior film was not as strong as my sophomore film because I played six and a half games. If I have a pretty good first few games or season overall, like I should, then things will go well. I'm just going to control what I can."

Scott-Emuakpor has received interest letters from top programs in the SEC, Pac-12, Big Ten and Big 12 since before his junior season, but his only offer came from Ball State earlier this summer.

Lately, Michigan State, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Northwestern, Central Michigan, Bowling Green and Miami (Ohio) have been showing the most interest and have told Scott-Emuakpor they will be paying close attention during the first four games of his senior season. The three-star receiver says he is ready to prove he belongs.

"I would love to show them that I can run," Scott-Emuakpor said. "I see some of the blogs and I see how they say I am not fast enough. I have 4.5 speed, and I know that. My coach will tell you the same thing.

"The same thing with strength. My lanky build will throw people off. I want to show them I am strong and have explosiveness to my game. They all know that I catch the ball really well and I run routes fairly well. I have been working my butt off and I know I have been working harder than a lot of guys. I feel I should be in good shape when the season comes around and hopefully good things happen."

Because of his close proximity to Michigan State's campus, Scott-Emuakpor expects to attend several games at Spartan Stadium this fall and will set visits with other schools later in the season. In the meantime, the three-star receiver will start practicing with his East Lansing High team on Monday and play his first game on Aug. 26 against Haslett.