Scott Opts Against Texas

National Signing Day proved to be a disappointment for Texas Longhorn fans, as star high school running back Darrell Scott chose to enroll at Colorado by signing a letter of intent this afternoon. Scott, the second ranked ball carrier amongst 2008 high school recruits, spent the past several weeks debating between the merits of the two Big XII universities. Ultimately, the California-bred halfback went with the Buffaloes, leaving an entire burnt orange nation in mourning.

Texas fans, who just weeks ago learned of the departure of star running back Jamaal Charles to the NFL Draft, desperately hoped that Scott would prove to be the backfield substitute to keep Texas’ potent office humming. Charles, who was long lambasted for his fumbling problems throughout his career in Austin, turned a corner last season while rushing for 1,619 yards and 18 touchdowns. With his departure to the NFL ranks, Longhorn fans presumed Scott would see the big hole left at the running back spot and hoped that he would be enticed to move to Texas to compete for the position as a true freshman.

Texas fans were right to dream about the possibilities. The 6-foot, 200-pound high school senior rushed for 3,200 yards and scored 46 touchdowns as a junior with Moorpark High School in California, before transferring to famed prep school St. Bonaventure and accumulating 2,433 yards and 34 touchdowns as a senior. But as the age old saying goes, blood is thicker than water, and that likely was the case in Scott’s decision. By signing with Colorado, Scot joins his uncle, Josh Smith, who plays wide receiver for the Buffaloes.

Texas fans are left hoping that a cast of returnees will be able to fill the void left by Charles, led by sophomore running back Vondrell McGee. The Longview, TX native carried the rock on 70 different occasions last season, gaining 266 yards and scoring seven touchdowns while flashing promise and small bursts of brilliance.

Despite the loss of Scott, Longhorn nation won’t walk away from National Signing Day empty-handed. Texas was able to obtain official commitments from the #5 and #6 wideouts in the land, D.J. Grant and Dan Buckner, respectively. With Grant listed at 6’3” and 200 lbs and Buckner registering at 6’4” and 209 lbs, quarterback Colt McCoy will have a plethora of options next year.

Photo: Ken Hively