#BowsStories: Dior Scott - Life After Last Chance U

Earlier this summer the fifth season of the hit Netflix series "Last Chance U' premiered. The show has chronicled junior college football programs across the country and the latest installment put the spotlight on Laney College in Oakland and more specifically on the powerful story of Dior Scott (known then on the show as Dior Walker-Scott).

In a series best known for featuring castoffs, misfits, and rebels, Scott proved to be a revelation and one of the most inspirational figures of the show’s five-year run. He won viewers over with his grit and resolve as he battled homelessness, bouts of anxiety, and a fractured relationship with his father, all the while starring on the field for Laney as a receiver and emergency quarterback during the 2019 season.  

The native of Antioch, Calif., ultimately earned a spot on the University of Hawai‘i football roster as a preferred walk-on and arrived in Manoa in January. In the month since the release of the show, Scott reflects on his new-found status and shares how he’s adjusted to life in Hawai‘i. 

How has life changed in the last month since “Last Chance U” premiered?

It’s been a blessing. People from all across the world have been reaching out and contacting me. For me just knowing that I have an impact on sports and the mental health world and talking about mental health issues, that’s been really incredible. It’s been amazing to hear other people’s stories and how they relate to me. I just want to thank God for giving me the opportunity. 

Did you expect that type of response after the show came out?

No, not at all. At the time, I was focused on how I could produce on the field and not as much about my off-field issues. I never thought I would be a mental health advocate, which everyone is calling me now. It’s a big responsibility, but I’m up for the challenge like I’ve been all my life. There are people rooting for me but I know there are also people out there that might want me to fail. I love to have that pressure on me because I’ve been dealing with pressure my whole life. It makes me wake up with a purpose every day. 

What kind of feedback have you received from your family, friends, and teammates after they watched Last Chance U?

A lot of my Laney teammates, they didn’t know that I was living in my car last season. So once they found out I was in my car they hit me up and said I could live with them. It was nice, but I just couldn’t trust anyone, so I felt like being in the car by myself was the best option. As far as my relationship with my father, my friends knew what was going on. But when everyone else found out what was happening they felt mad with how everything played out with him and I. My brothers at Laney, it brought us a lot closer by knowing our stories and our struggles were similar. With my teammates here in Hawai‘i, now they know my story and they know I’m still a humble dude and I’m not going to use this film to boast myself. We became closer, they trust me and I love and trust them too. 

Did the show accurately portray you and Laney’s 2019 season?

Yes. Everything that was on the show was 100 percent true. Nothing was scripted. Everything was real authentic. It was never anything fake. Our struggles are real-life struggles. 

What was it like to have the camera always present? And did you have any hesitation about opening up so much? 

At the beginning it was overwhelming. At first I was too scared to talk about what was going on in my life because it was too embarrassing. But the camera crew and I talked about it and they basically said, ‘Look your story is gonna touch a lot of people.’ And I realized that it could, so I decided to go for it. Once the season started rolling on, I became more comfortable with the cameras and it was just like another family there with us to be honest. I still keep in touch with the crew. When we talk it’s not even about the “Last Chance U” stuff its just to see what’s going with our lives. 

What are some of the things that you would want people to know about you and your experiences that weren’t featured in the show?

One of them is my name. I had to use the name Walker basically for recruiting purposes. But I really want the world to know my name is Dior Scott. I said it on the show, ‘I’m Dior Scott and I’m creating my own legacy tonight.’ Also I want them to know that I’m really a quiet kid, I like to have fun and I’m a hard worker. Overall, I think Netflix did an amazing job in showing who I am. 

Jared Smart was your teammate in 2018 when you guys won a national title at Laney. What role did Jared play in your decision to make it out here to Hawaii‘?

Jared played a huge role. During spring football last year, Coach (Andre) Allen saw me work out at Laney. He loved me. Jared would talk to him every week, putting my name in there, trying to make room for me. He helped with having the coaching staff get me through the program. Since I got out here as a walk-on he put me under his wing. It’s such a huge blessing. Jared is truly my brother and I really appreciate him. 

What was it like when the previous coach staff who recruited you left right before your arrival to Hawai‘i?

I was scared. I didn’t know what to do. Once Coach Rolo left, I texted Coach Allen and asked him ‘What’s going on? Are you leaving too, What should I do?’ He told me, ‘Don’t worry, I’m staying. You don’t have to worry about anything. ’ Two days later he left and now I’m really scared. There is no coaching staff. I didn’t know what the new staff was going to be like. But once Coach (Todd) Graham came in, that first meeting I felt that desire that he’s trying to do something different. Then when Coach (Brennan) Marion and Coach (Tony) Hull came in that put more money to it because they really know what they’re doing. They really are going to have me disciplined and be a better receiver. 

What’s been the vibe since you’ve joined the UH football program? 

It’s really a brotherhood. It’s different from back in the mainland. Everyone is close to each other and that’s what I love. I had that at Laney, but over here even more. 

What was your first impression of Hawai‘i when you arrived? 

When I first got here…it was slow. Everything was at a different pace than I was used to and I was really homesick. I didn’t have anyone here but Jared. I called my mom every day. When the coronavirus hit, it was the perfect time to go back and see my mom for a little while. But once I came back out here it just felt better, more peaceful. I really began to understand the vibe for this whole island. Everything is about family. They will always keep you grounded and help you with everything and that’s what I love about this island. Back in Oakland, I have family, I have blood, but I didn’t have family like that. Everything I did, I had to do myself. So knowing I have family here that really wants me to be the best Dior that I can be, that’s a big relief.

What have you enjoyed the most about Hawai’i?

I really enjoy the beaches. I’ve never been a beach person but to know now that the beach is right in our own backyard and the ocean is my pool, it’s just amazing. My favorite beach is Sandy’s. If I could go there every day, I really would. It’s just so fun being in the waves, getting tossed and turned and flipped. Having that place to go to relax my mind from the stress of everyday life, I just love it.  

You’ve faced numerous obstacles in your life and more have come your way with the UH coaching transition, the cancellation of spring football and now the postponement of fall football. How have you handled these latest challenges?

I’ve been talking to God. Been talking to my mama. I read the Bible every day just to get the day started and to be calm and to relax. I talk to the coaches. See what the game plan is, what’s going on. I really just try to meditate and focus my mind on football and school and not much of everything else. 

#BOWSSTORIES

(Laney photos courtesy of Netflix)