Kevin Connelly: March 2007 Archives

Former Moorpark running back Darrell Scott -- now at St. Bonaventure of Ventura -- is considered by many to be the top prep back in the nation from the class of 2008.

He already has offers from the likes of USC, Florida, Notre Dame, UCLA, Michigan, Colorado and Texas.

Here is a recent posting on Rivals.com about Scott's dealings with Texas:

March 6, 2007
Jason Suchomel
Orangebloods.com

The (Texas) Longhorns have already secured commitments from two tailback prospects and one fullback for the 2008 recruiting class, but there's been constant chatter among Texas fans that the Horns may still make a run at one more bigtime running back.

The name that's constantly thrown around is Darrell Scott, an incredibly productive runner from the state of California. The Ventura St. Bonaventure product is a teammate of 2007 Texas signee Blaine Irby, and the Texas fan base has been hoping that those connections might give the Horns a bit of an inside connection.

The Irby connection has apparently helped get the ball rolling. The 6-foot, 215-pound Scott said he has yet to hear much from the Texas staff in the way of mail, but he was told by his high school coach that the Longhorns have a definite interest.

"I haven't really talked to them but they have offered. My coach actually told me. They were down here for Blaine Irby and they saw my film and told my coach they had an offer for me," said Scott.

With official offers in hand from the likes of USC, UCLA, Notre Dame, Florida, Colorado and Michigan, to name but a few, the Longhorns will have their work cut out for them if they're hoping to reel in this potential five-star prospect. But, Scott said, Texas is definitely in the thick of things.

"They're up there. They're a powerhouse football team," he said. "I like them a lot and I love their uniforms. We'll just wait and see. I'm just discussing everything with my mom right now."

Scott recently attended a USC junior day and he's also taken an unofficial visit to Colorado. As of now, he does not have any immediate plans for future visits, and Scott said his plan right now is to spend as much time as possible working out with a trainer over the summer.

If Scott were to someday make it to Texas for either an unofficial or official visit, it would actually be his second stop by the Forty Acres. Scott lived in Dallas a few years ago, and he and his family made the trip south to Austin to visit family. While in town, Scott stopped by campus and saw the football team in action.

"I wasn't even in high school yet. They were having a team meeting and the team was really close and coach Mack Brown was getting really fired up so I liked that," Scott said.

Scott rushed for 3,194 yards and 45 touchdowns as a junior and he said he's willing to take his talents anywhere in the country if he finds the right fit. And what will separate one school from the pack?

"It will be the coaches, the depth chart and just how I feel on that team, being around them," he said.

END STORY

An interesting element of Jason Suchomel's story is how Scott says the "depth chart" of potential suitors will play a role in his decision.

With USC already loaded with two five-star running backs from the class of 2007, including Oaks Christian of Westlake Village's Marc Tyler, the Trojans seem to be out of the picture at this point.

Texas, Florida and Notre Dame have signed two four-star backs for 2007, while Colorado and UCLA have each signed one.

Michigan has two three-star running backs slated for the class of 2007.

It's all specualtion at this point, but Scott has said he plans to make his decision soon.

If Scott really wants to rocket up the depth chart, the five-star running back will likely choose Michigan. Other factors will come into play, however.

Scott's uncle, 2007 Moorpark gruduate Josh Smith, will be a freshman at Colorado next season. Scott was also raised in Florida, where the defending national champion Gators have made a strong push to land the standout.

Here's one reporter's take on what schools have the best chance at landing Scott:

1. Florida -- It never hurts to suit up for a national champion. (35 % chance)
2. Texas -- Scott does like the uniforms. (20 %)
3. Colorado -- Joining his uncle with the Buffs will be tough to turn down. (12 %)
4. Michigan -- Scott's best chance to start as a freshman. (10 %)
5. Notre Dame -- The Irish landed Oaks Christian QB Jimmy Clausen for 2007. (8 %)
6. USC -- Why compete with a star-studded crop already at Troy? (5 %)
7. UCLA -- A long shot, to say the least. (2 %)
8. Other -- Don't discount Oklahoma State, Minnesota, et al (8 %)

While Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks defensive end Wes Horton became the first local prep football player from the class of 2008 to verbally commit to a Division I college this week, the offers are beginning to come in for other top prospects as well.

Here's a list of those offers:

Dayne Crist (Notre Dame): Notre Dame, LSU, Minnesota, Duke
E.J. Woods (Crespi): UCLA, Oregon, Ole Miss
Milton Knox (Birmingham): Florida State, UCLA, Ole Miss
Exavier Johnson (Birmingham): Nebraska
Malik Jackson (Birmingham): UCLA
Anthony McDonald (Notre Dame): Notre Dame, Oregon, Ole Miss, Boston College
Joseph Fauria (Crespi): Ole Miss

Former Moorpark running back Darrell Scott has a list of offers which include the past three national champions: USC, Texas, and Florida.

Scott, who says he will make his college choice soon, transferred to St. Bonaventure of Ventura for his senior season.

Here's a Rivals.com story on Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks defensive end Wes Horton's verbal committment to USC:

Horton Gets SC Offer

After receiving a scholarship offer from USC two nights ago, Sherman Oaks (Calif.) Notre Dame defensive end Wes Horton ends the recruiting process early by verbally committing to the Trojans.

Horton, who made the Rivals.com Class of 2008 Watch List, had 92 tackles and 13 sacks as a junior. The Trojans now secure commitment No. 5 for this year.

"Yes, that's correct, I'm a Trojan," said Horton. "I didn't see a reason to wait any longer, so I called Pete Carroll and committed."

Horton, still excited by his unexpected scholarship offer from Steve Sarkisian Tuesday night, talked about the reasons behind his decision.

"I've been a Bruin my whole life, but I really started to think about USC after their Junior Day last week," he said. "I just love their philosophy and I love how much intensity they have around the program.

"They're very competitive at USC, but I like that. The way they do things makes them one of the best in the nation."

Horton, who chose USC over scholarship offers from Oregon, Ole Miss, UNLV and San Diego State, has family ties to Las Vegas and Westwood. In fact, his father is a UCLA alum, while his brother, Shane, signed with UNLV to play football next fall.

Despite Bruin bloodlines, Horton's family is very supportive of his commitment to USC.

"My dad didn't really want me going to UCLA," said Horton. "Both of my parents are excited about USC and they support my decision 100-percent."