Juice Scruggs Is Surging Up Draft Boards After a Successful Pro Day
Juice Scruggs is the definition of defying the odds.
After a scary car accident one game in to his freshman season, Scruggs was sidelined with a bad back injury and his promising career came to a sudden stop.
But just less than two years later, Scruggs was ready to suit up and take the field again and he’s flourished since.
After appearing in just one game over his first two seasons at Penn State, Scruggs played in seven games in 2020 and started 13 on the offensive line in 2021. He took over as the team’s full-time starting center in 2022 and was named a team captain, something he claims was vital in his vocal growth as a player and person.
“I definitely needed to come back another year and get that under my belt,” Scruggs said. “I just feel like going into the league now, I know like how to lead guys and now I know like what to expect from leaders.”
Scruggs is ready to learn a lot when he gets to the pros just as he did on the collegiate level. He took significant strides in his last few years at Penn State, serving as a stalwart for Phil Trautwein’s unit.
He was the anchor of the offensive line that the led the Nittany Lions’ run game resurgence in 2022-23, gashing opposing defenses for a grand total of 2,569 yards and 28 touchdowns.
Scruggs had anything but an ordinary start to his Penn State career. But it’s likely going to conclude with his name being called at the 2023 NFL Draft – whenever that may be.
“My prediction for myself is second to third. But right now, I’m seeing a lot of fifth and sixth,” Scruggs said. “It doesn’t really matter once I get my foot in the door.”
It’s just a matter of when for Scruggs. His Pro Day performance only solidified that, as his athleticism shined and fundamentals were sound, along with some things that scouts were already keen on.
“My physicality, just coming off the ball and finishing people,” Scruggs said. “And I’ve gotten a lot of advice on what I should be working on with my hand speed and foot speed. I’ve just been trying to work on that and that's what I came out here and tried to show.”
Scruggs’ size at 6-foot-3, 310 lbs. and versatility also serves him well. He can play all three inferior offensive line positions, which is viewed as extremely valuable in today’s NFL.
He’s most comfortable at center but will do whatever it takes.
“Everybody's been asking where I feel comfortable… personally, I believe center. But need me at guard, I’ll go to guard,” Scruggs said. “It comes down to wherever they want me.”
Wherever he ends up, whenever his name is called, Scruggs doesn’t care – it’s a dream come true and he’s sure to make the opportunity count.
“It's definitely been a dream to reality,” Scruggs said. “To even think about where I am now to where I was - it’s unbelievable.”
Zach Donaldson is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email zach.donaldson1@gmail.com.
