From the Fall 2026 issue of Bison Illustrated.
Photo by Gavin Fernholz, Dynamic Studios.
Q: You went from a limited role at Kennesaw State to 95 carries and All-Newcomer recognition at NDSU. What did this program help unlock in you?
DJ Scott: Just the confidence in myself. They got me out of the portal, and they believed in me and what I can do, so I just felt like I had to pour back into them.
Q: At 215 pounds, do you view yourself primarily as a physical runner who also has explosiveness, or an explosive runner who can finish through contact?
Scott: A physical runner who has explosiveness, 100%.
Q: Do you prefer the opportunity to run up the gut and see if that hole opens up, or do you like getting to the edge and using your speed?
Scott: Definitely up the gut.
Q: What differences do you expect to see in the speed and discipline of the Mountain West compared to where you were last year?
Scott: Definitely bigger guys, faster guys and, probably more physical guys, 100%.
Q: Have you changed your approach at all from last year to this year with the new competition, or are you treating it like any other season with a little bigger chip on your shoulder?
Scott: Definitely. I put on 10 pounds and got a little faster than I was last year, so 100%.
Q: This is going to be your second year here. What can fans expect to see from you this season?
Scott: Just explosive plays.
Q: When you’re not getting the ball, what are some of the ways you help the offense succeed?
Scott: Definitely blocking. Just making sure the play gets started.
Q: Running back blocking can sometimes get overlooked, but it’s a huge part of opening up plays. How important is that responsibility to you?
Scott: If we miss a block, that could cause us a loss. So, 100%, we’ve got to get those blocks done.
Q: Going into the Mountain West, is there a specific team you’re looking forward to playing the most?
Scott: Definitely Hawaii. Just going there. I haven’t been there before.
Q: As far as offseason preparation, have you been doing anything differently?
Scott: Just going day by day, working on my craft and getting better each day.
Career Highlights
- 2025 MVFC All-Newcomer Team.
- Named to the 2026 Maxwell Award watch list.
- Became the first NDSU player selected for the Maxwell Award watch list.
- One 100-yard rushing game in his first NDSU season.
- Six rushing touchdowns in 95 attempts during 2025.
Read the Fall 2026 magazine feature.
