It didn't come as a surprise to Artavis Scott when he wasn't selected in the first couple rounds of the NFL Draft.
Not hearing his name called when it was all said and done was another story.
"Shocking," he said, still shaking his head months later. "To not be drafted at all, it was just very shocking."
All Scott did was rewrite the record books over a noteworthy career at Clemson, becoming the school's all-time leader in career receptions (245). An All-ACC pick in each of his three seasons, he also amassed 2,458 yards and 19 touchdowns in 43 career games with the Tigers. He set a school record by catching at least one pass in 38 straight games to finish his career.
Fellow rookie wideout Mike Williams played alongside Scott for three seasons at Clemson, and it still boggles his mind how not a single team took a shot on the 5-10, 190-pound playmaker in the draft.
"I'm still not sure to this day how that happened to be honest," Williams said, shaking his head. "I mean, there are a lot of guys who went in the draft that shouldn't have if he wasn't picked. That's the all-time career leader in catches at Clemson. That should speak for itself. A lot of great receivers went there (like) Sammy Watkins, Martavis Bryant, DeAndre Hopkins, Adam Humphries, myself and others. For him to lead everyone, that speaks for itself. So to see him go undrafted, it's just like, wow, that's crazy."
It's even crazier after seeing him perform as of late at Chargers Camp. Scott has routinely authored some of the biggest plays at practice, whether it's an acrobatic snare in the end zone or on the receiving end of a deep bomb. He's proven capable of beating defenders in a variety of ways, emphatically stating his case to make the final 53-man roster.
Still, he knows nothing is given.
"I'm out here having fun enjoying the game I love. You've got to have some swag to yourself. This is a great opportunity, and this is where I need to be. I'm following my heart. I was very shocked not to be drafted, but I think everything happens for a reason. God doesn't say, 'Oops.' This is the route that was best for me, and I've still got the opportunity to play football, so I've got to take advantage of it."
Despite several highlight reel plays, Scott knows he has a long way to go. Wide receiver is one of the hardest leaps to make for rookies going from college to the pros, so Scott is aiming to reach a level of comfort and consistency.
"There is a lot I can be better at. I need to get in my playbook and get that down. Consistency is something everybody needs to have. I know I need to. Every day I'm staying in the film room longer than I have before. I'm doing what I'm asked to do. I know this roster is (stacked), but to be honest, I'm being patient. I can only control what I can control, and that's staying focused and humble. Just working hard every day, and let everything work itself out. I'm giving it my all every time I'm on the field."
The result thus far speaks for itself.
"I'm seeing him make the plays out here that he did for three years in practice and the games (at Clemson)," Williams said. "I'm rooting for him hard. He's coming out here with a chip on his shoulder and is showing everyone what he's capable of doing. I feel like he's had a good camp. He's made a lot of plays and is competing hard. I'm proud of him."
