It’s fall 2021. Head Saluda football coach Stewart Young is gathering his players for the first practice of the season. All summer long he has been keeping an eye on one specific freshman who has been showing out during the offseason: J.T. Lott.
Little did Coach Young know what he would be in for.
Lott, the 6-foot-2, 240-pound Swiss Army knife, has been wreaking havoc since the very first time he stepped on the football field for the Saluda Tigers. As a freshman in 2021, in one of his first varsity games, Lott forced a fumble and almost returned it for a touchdown.
Since then, he’s been causing even more disruption for offenses–and defenses.
“He’s been special since he showed up here in ninth grade,” said Saluda head football coach Stewart Young. “He’s very, very versatile.”
And versatile he is. So far in 2023, Lott has lined up at seven different positions: defensive lineman, offensive tackle, tight end, wide receiver, H-back, linebacker and he’s even taken a few carries out of the backfield. He’s excelled in each of these roles, leading the Tigers to a strong 5-1 record entering Region 3-AA play. To Lott, there’s nothing more important than putting on for Saluda.
“It means a lot to be a Saluda Tiger,” said Lott. “The city loves football and they come out every game and support us.”
Lott’s success did not just come to him. He’s spent countless hours on the field with his coaches and teammates. According to Lott, he couldn’t have done it without them.
“I love our coaching staff,” said Lott. “They treat us right, do what they’re supposed to do and hold us accountable for doing the wrong things.”
It’s not just on the football field where Lott makes his presence felt, however. He’s also a beast on the basketball court where he was a key component in the Tigers’ successful 2022-23 season in which they won their region, finished with an overall record of 18-6, and made it to the second round of the playoffs.
However, Lott’s one and only true love will always be football, and that’s exactly what pushes him to be the athlete he is today.
“I just love to play the game of football,” said Lott.
With region play coming up, there’s no better time for Lott to kick it into high gear, especially with AA powerhouses Silver Bluff (ranked fourth in class AA) and Strom Thurmond (ranked 10th in class AA) awaiting them later in the season. According to Coach Young, this shouldn’t be any problem for the junior.
“Whether he wants to be or not, he is a natural leader out here,” said Young. “He’s a guy that’s very good to have on your side.”