College football signing day: Scott twins stick together
Family commitment proves strong for Scott twins of CCS
For two Chattanooga Christian School senior student-athletes, their bond is unbreakable because it goes much deeper than school and sports.
Twin brothers Traveon “Tink” Scott and Tre’veon “Cheese” Scott have had each other’s backs from the beginning, and they intend for that to continue even after they graduate from CCS in May and are no longer suiting up for the Chargers.
This year’s national signing day for college football on Wednesday included the Scotts signing with University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky. Traveon chose the Patriots, who compete in the NAIA and the Mid-South Conference, despite having offers from higher levels, including at least one NCAA Division I program.
At least some of those programs did not offer scholarships to Tre’veon, though, and that was a factor for Traveon in the end. Tink and Cheese, it turned out, were a package deal.
“We have been playing together since little league and are used to doing everything together,” said Traveon, who
has also played basketball with his brother throughout high school. “I couldn’t see myself going to a separate college. It would have felt weird. He has always been there for me. We pick each other up when the other is down and celebrate one another’s accomplishments too.”
Traveon was part of one of the toughest high school backfields in the state this past fall as he and Jamichael Baxter (1,335 rushing yards, 18 touchdowns), who signed with Division II program Tusculum, formed a potent one-two combination.
The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder was a versatile threat as he could plow over defenders, spin around them or get to the outside with his speed for big gains for the Chargers. He rushed for 990 yards on just 105 carries and scored 12 touchdowns in just eight games.
“Just watching him play and seeing him grow up to the man he has become today has been crazy,” said big brother Tre’veon (6-2, 230). “We went from living in the projects and coming from nothing basically to now being able to get a good education and being able to play college football together. We both have worked really hard for this opportunity, and it’s been God that has led the way.”
While injury kept him from making his usual impact at tight end or linebacker, where he starred as a junior, having Tre’veon around was still important for the CCS football program in 2020. His leadership helped as the team coached by Mark Mariakis advanced to the TSSAA Division II-AA quarterfinals before the Chargers had to forfeit to eventual state champion Christ Presbyterian Academy due to COVID-19.
“When he was faced with his leg injury, he didn’t let that stop him,” Traveon said. “He was at every summer practice even though he wasn’t practicing. His presence made a big difference. He pushes you even though he’s not feeling good. That was a loving moment for all of us. He knows how to push through adversity and make those around him feel loved.”
When the CCS basketball team celebrated senior night Tuesday, the Scott brothers walked out on the court with their family and held the hand of their little nephew JT. They were given a loud ovation as the crowd reciprocated the love the twins have shown to the school and their teams the past four years.
“Tink and Cheese both radiate unconditional love to each other, to their teammates and to this school,” Mariakis said. “Hopefully others around them can see that and see that you can have a very high academic rigor, have a spiritual foundation in God and still perform very well all at the same time. Those guys have been a great influence to our program since day one, and they are the epitome of what CCS is about.”
Through hard work on and off the field, the twin brothers have made the most of their opportunities — while realizing the importance of sacrifice — and hope that others realize the chances they have knocking at their doors, too.
“It’s important to cherish every day and take each one as a blessing,” Traveon said. “You have to live in the moment and not look back. I remember when I was just a little guy coming into this program and I couldn’t bench press much at all. But I have kept working and working, and now I just benched 365 pounds the other day.
“We really are grateful to our coaches and family for helping us make our dreams a reality.”