Home › Football
CU's Scott a hot topic at Big 12 media days
Expectations are big for Buffs' prize recruit
STORY TOOLS
More Football
- Brown picks off win for Buffaloes
- Eagles lament missed opportunities
- 'J-Fly' overcomes his early mistakes
Share and Enjoy [?]
KANSAS CITY — Hype comes with the territory in preseason football discussions, and Colorado coach Dan Hawkins and three of his players figured to experience some of it while making their appearance at Big 12 Conference media days Tuesday.
What was somewhat unexpected was most of the excitement around CU concerned a player who wasn’t in the building and who hasn’t even participated in a single practice yet. He is a freshman who missed most of the summer throwing and conditioning program back in Boulder as well.
People just can’t wait to finally set their eyes on freshman running back Darrell Scott, formerly the nation’s No. 1 running back recruit from Ventura, Calif. It doesn’t seem to matter if you’re a rabid Buffs fan or a reporter from Middle of Nowhere, Okla.
They want to determine for themselves whether Scott is the real deal or another in a long line of athletes who never caught up to the advance press.
Media members who cover the conference seem to have their minds made up already after naming Scott the Big 12 newcomer of the year in the annual preseason poll. Hawkins said Scott, a player who announced his college choice on national television, was even surprised by the show of respect.
“Wow. That’s flattering, but I haven’t even put on any pads yet. It’s too early,” Scott is quoted as saying in a statement published in CU’s preseason notes.
If Scott thought it was too early for a newcomer nod from scribes, he might have been floored to hear his new teammates discussing what they think he can do. Senior defensive tackle George Hypolite compared Scott’s body type to a young Jim Brown and former Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson.
But Hypolite didn’t stop there.
“At the end of the day, as a senior and as leaders, we have to show him how to play football,” Hypolite said. “We have show him how to prepare, how to work, how to work smart, how to be a smart football player in practice and all these kinds of things, and, in three years, if I’m worth my salt in doing that, he will be a Heisman Trophy winner.”
Hawkins is doing his best not to contribute to the buildup and the pressure that has to be mounting as Scott nears the beginning of his college career when the Buffs report for training camp Aug. 4. But even Hawkins managed to stoke the fire a bit with titillating tales of Scott’s potential as a punter.
Hawkins said he will consider using Scott on occasion in that role because of the problems it will cause opponents. Hawkins said he and assistant coaches have had done plenty of advance work with Scott in relation to dealing with media, celebrity and jealousies that sometimes accompany such attention.
“My biggest talkings and dealings with Darrell have more to do with understanding a quality balance of life and what it takes to be successful,” Hawkins said. “And he’s a tremendous talent. He’s a great player. He really is. And he’s a good kid.
“I think he’s a very humble kid, but to me, that is my focus to get his feet on the ground academically and socially and focus on those types of things because the game will come around at some point. Whether that’s Day One or Week One or Year Two I don’t know. I know that it will come around at some point.
“My biggest push for him is all the intangible factors.”
The reality for Hawkins is that Scott is the most popular of many young players who will have to play at a high level early in their careers for the Buffs to improve on a 6-7 season a year ago, considering the difficult schedule they face in 2008.
Hawkins is not surprised by the relatively low regard the Buffs are held in —- they were voted fourth in the Big 12 North by media members —- going into the season. He focused on four areas in which the Buffs must improve this season to reach the next level of success and respect.
Hawkins said his team must improve its turnover margin. The Buffs committed 25 turnovers in 2007 and finished with 21 takeaways for a minus-four ratio. The Buffs also must improve in third- and fourth-down situations on both side of the ball, Hawkins said. Last season they converted only 34.5 percent of third downs and allowed an astounding 57 percent conversion rate on fourth down tries by opponents.
Hawkins also said the Buffs have to improve at pressuring opposing quarterbacks after sacking or hurrying throwers only 66 times in 443 passing plays by opponents last season. The Buffs finished 103rd in the country in pass defense.
Hawkins finally mentioned getting back to running the ball more effectively. No one figures that will be a problem with Scott around.
“He’s got a good head on his shoulders,” safety Ryan Walters said. “He’s a quiet, humble kid. That’s the kind of kid you want on your team, especially with that kind of talent and that kind of hype around him.”
Posted by rodrigo on July 22, 2008 at 7:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Fourth down with DS back to punt? Maybe CU should go for it, Kenny.
Posted by buff4life on July 22, 2008 at 7:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WELCOME 2 BOULDER DARRELL SCOTT!!!!! and the rest of the new buffaloes!!! boulder is a beautiful city and denver is close and has so much to offer....are fans are true fans and have as much passsion and loyality AS ANY PROGRAM IN THE COUNRTY....the only way to win as a BUFFALO IS SHOUDLER 2 SHOUDLER and i hope these new young buffaloes CONTINUE OUR awesome legacy and strong tradition......again my fellow buffaloes--WELCOME TO COLORADO AND BUFFALO COUNTRY!! now lets get after it!!!!! RTD episode II COMING SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by buff4life on July 22, 2008 at 7:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"...THE BUFFALO MUST BE ON GUARD BUT THIS QUIET HERBIVORE HAS A MEAN TEMPER AND TRAVELS IN A LARGE HERD--A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH" GLORY, GLORY COLORADO
Posted by CaliBuff on July 22, 2008 at 7:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I may have ruined my computer by drooling all over it. Ok, well I'm not sure I will be able to sleep the night before the CU vs CSU game, it's better than Christmas morning when I was a kid. I have no doubt in my mind we will be better than 4th in the North. Go Buffs.
Posted by buff4life on July 22, 2008 at 9:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hey CALIBUFF its buffsoulja. i had to get a new "handle" but im still spoutn my buff "madness". good to hear from ya bro, hope you and yours doin good on the westcoast and "reppn" your black and gold proud!!!!! its gonna be a fun season---csu-lil brother, wvu-thursday nite ESPN, fsu-payback time, ut-homecoming, ku-fluke and mizzou-misery...oh yea and those bums in lincoln... go buffs!!
Posted by BlackAndGold on July 22, 2008 at 11:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
is D.Scott in Boulder yet? any news?
Posted by bufflover on July 22, 2008 at 11:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
easy boys, we havent won the games yet. lets not say something we will regret. let tall have his cocky attitude even though nebraska lost. we will be much more of a threat this season. the only game we better not loose is csu. we have a team that has the foundation laid, now all we need to do is build the house. CSU had an awfull season last year and now have a new coach, we should beat them by at lest 3 touchdowns. otherwise other fellow buffs, lets be humble this year and just let our team do us justice. we dont need to be like nebraska fans. we are better than that.
And DS, i cant wait to see you play. i have not been this excited over one player since... well ever to be honest. dont let us down. no preasure.
GO BUFFS!!!
Posted by buff4life on July 22, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
and darrell, if you still are not that familiar with the incredible history and tradtion of colorado football than skip over to utube under colorado buffalo football videos and check out the cu football history part I and II--awesome, awesome stuff... if that dont get your blood boiling and heart ponding than you playing the wrong sport my man....im sure your "images" will highlight in part III...careful though DS because dimwitted husker fanboys like to sneak their sorry videos into the other buff video section, prob the same nitwits that "pollute" these chat rooms....dont risk watchn husker videos or your career could end up like cory ross--a local high school RB that would have had more fun playing in ft collins than wasting his time in lincoln.
Posted by salsajohn on July 23, 2008 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good article about a potential CU recruit from AZ. Markus Wheaton, a 6'1 WR and three star prospect. He lists CU as his 1st choice.
http://recruiting.scout.com/2/771362....
Posted by montanabuff on July 23, 2008 at 8:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Two positive stories on CU players on the same day? Excellent. Keep up the good work, Mr. Hypolite, and welcome, Mr. Scott. August 31st can't get here soon enough! Bring on the Rams!
Go Buffs!
http://www.cuatthegame.com
Posted by Ralphie2 on July 23, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Everyone needs to chill out. Don't crush the kid with expectations.
Posted by badbuff on July 23, 2008 at 8:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What a team Hawkins is putting together.......
On offense....the Line is young and deep....speed all over the place....With McNight catching things over the middle.....
On defense the only ? is the D-Backs....but with Major and Mohler and the guys back who missed last year the Buffs will be hard hitters.....
2 years till a Big 12 Title.....3 years till the National Title
Go Buffs!!!!
Posted by bouldabuff on July 23, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think we win the big 12 next year if our young kids on the d-line can step up and fill the voids left by the rabid goldfish and papa nicholas.
Posted by bouldabuff on July 23, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Rivals 2008 Top 5 Buffaloes
5. Ryan Walters
4. Cody Hawkins
Who is going to be in the top 3?
Posted by extrapoint on July 23, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think Cunningham has a bright future on the D line. Hopefully Hudgins will live up to his potential. Does anyone know if he can get a medical redshirt for another year?
Posted by extrapoint on July 23, 2008 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Rivals has Cody at 4?
Tall is probably changing his pants and reading rivals the riot act.
Posted by rodrigo on July 24, 2008 at 8:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So, if Cody is 4 and Daniel Sanders is 3, you have to figure the Rabid Goldfish is 1 leaving the question: who is #2?
20 bucks says it's Darrell Scott, the logic being he's POTENTIALLY the type of talent to transform a program in spite of the fact he's yet to even step on a college football field.
Not sure I agree with that logic - or the extreme expectations - but I do think just having a recruit of Scott's stature makes a big, positive statement about the direction of CU football. Down the road, though, I see Ray Polk as making an equally large contribution.
Posted by bouldabuff on July 24, 2008 at 8:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm not sure Rod - I might have to go back through the Rivals list and see who they have already named. I really think it has got to be Brandon "Papa" Nicholas and the Rabid Goldfish 1 and 2. We probably have the best combination of DT's in the country.
Posted by bouldabuff on July 24, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Is everyone on vacation this week or what?
Nearly one month away from "opening day" and I can hear crickets on these boards.
Ringo - How about an article about recruiting or your starting lineup projections - something to break the radio silence.
Posted by DCBuff on July 24, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I just got back from Vegas...so I was on vacation. Maybe I'm missing something but who is Rabid Goldfish?? I keep reading about him in these posts. Thanks!
And the Buffs start official practices on Aug 4 right?
Posted by bouldabuff on July 24, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The rabid goldfish is none other than Mr. George Hypolite
Posted by rodrigo on July 24, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hmmm, boulda, hadn't thought of Nicholas.
Others already on the list are Geer, Sipili, McKnight, Miller, Dykes, Walters, Cody, Sanders, Smart, Williams... can't recall who else.
Was Josh Smith? If not, he'd certainly rank...
DC: In the South Park-themed intros to the Nebraska game the character Cartman dubbed Hypolite the Rabid Goldfish.
Posted by SnowBuff on July 24, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope to GOD we get those guys to do it again. I mean, not every game, but one big regular season game per year and perhaps for our Bowl game?
They can use different characters. Hell, I would love to hear Kenny do it so I could try and figure out what he was actually saying!
Posted by rodrigo on July 24, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ditto that, Snow. Between those intros and smackin' the corn... I still have a smile on my face.
Posted by DCBuff on July 24, 2008 at 11:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Boulda and Rodrigo - thanks, that answers it all!
Posted by houston_buff on July 24, 2008 at 4:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
why is big bird running his mouth about who might run out there as our punter? How about a little surprise for the fans as well as the other team? Jeez 'bird-you're better than that. All that Mayan sun fried your brain. Jury is still out on your game day decisions so let's play it a little closer to the vest for the next 30 days or so.
Posted by rodrigo on July 24, 2008 at 9:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
C'mon Houston.
Does it matter if Hawk talks about it now or it happens first vs. CSU, WVU, FSU or later. The seed is planted. Does that mean anybody knows what's going to happen?
No.
Exactly the point.
Posted by flabuff227 on July 24, 2008 at 10:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
C'mon houston! If he gives away a game plan against eastern wash. then go ahead and get negative.
As far as scott punting, thats for opposing teams to think about. Dont get crazy!
Posted by FreewayRicky on July 25, 2008 at 1:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think CU will regret not taking Langston Jackson. He is now 215 and 4.4 40.
From Cal Scout.com
Posted: 02/12/2008 5:42 PM
RE: Simi Football
He is unsigned due to bad luck, not because he is not good. He had an early offer from Utah and someone committed before he did. Same thing with San Diego State and Utah State. Colorado told him they would sign him if Scott chose Texas, he chose Colorado. He is a good back and will end up someplace. Coach Mack is not trying to help Mr. Jackson, he is trying to recruit him!!! I am a Marmonte League fan and try to see every team at least once during the year and I've seen Mr Jackson 3 times and all three times he was a stud. Musky, I think he carried his team to victory over you guys by himself. That was not meant to discredit you Musky but to give Mr. Jackson his due. He will end up some place.
Posted by rodrigo on July 26, 2008 at 6:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Curious post there Ricky. Langston Jackson...?
Who?
Google. "Walk on at Cal," as of July 16. Scott, Polk... You think this guy is potentially better? From what I can see Colorado never actively recruited him. Maybe that gpa?
Posted by extrapoint on July 26, 2008 at 8:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
good lord!
this Jackson kid turned down Portland State?
where the heck is tall when we need him?
Posted by FreewayRicky on July 27, 2008 at 11:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Rodrigo...if Langston Jackson can get into Cal, I think he can also get into CU? He really was actively recruited by Hagan. He also turned down a starter position at the "new" Sac. St.
Posted by rodrigo on July 28, 2008 at 5:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I hear ya, just wondering if that's why he's walking on, not a scholarship player. If he's as good as you say, seems odd that he'd fall through so many cracks. Something seems up...
Posted by FreewayRicky on July 29, 2008 at 2:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
From what I know nothing's up, just another example of high school players needing an agent. Happens all the time. Some kids are used as bait to lure others, the coaches are pros and the 17 yr. old and his parents are not.
Another kid, Giovannie Dixon from Reseda,CA (1-4 in league) is in the same boat. Dixon, also one of the City Section's top sprinters, is among the Valley area's fastest football players. He rushed for 1,828 yards and scored 18 touchdowns in nine games as a senior this past season. He is walking on at ASU.
This is how talented guys become sleepers! Only a "good scout" can spot a gem on a 3-7 or a 1-4 team. How can you blame Langston Jackson for being recruited 2nd after Darrell Scott?
Posted by rodrigo on July 29, 2008 at 5:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Get your point, but Jon Major was on a major loser program at Ponderosa and he still made everybody's top recruit list. Not trying to argue, just curious. Maybe it's because California has sooooo many stud recruits? Same thing with Chase Daniel coming out of Texas?
(Requires free registration.)
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.