BOULDER, Colo.—A year ago, freshman wide receiver Josh Smith was all the talk of training camp at the University of Colorado.
This year, it’s his nephew, Darrell Scott, the top tailback in the country and jewel of coach Dan Hawkins’ latest crop of recruits.
“I’m glad he’s liking everything,” Smith said. “It’s been great to have him here. He’s looking good out there. I’m still a big fan every time I watch him.”
The two will be together on the field for the first time Saturday when the incoming class and returning veterans start combined workouts.
“I’m real excited for him to open up my pass game because the way he’s selling those fakes out there, he’s got the defense swaying every which way,” Smith said.
Scott has been the big man on campus ever since he signed his national letter of intent.
Now, he’s going through a crash course on his footwork while trying to get acclimated to the altitude so he can have an impact right away for the Buffs. Colorado went 6-7 last year with three losses coming by a touchdown or less, including the Independence Bowl to Alabama.
“It’s fun,” Scott said. “I’m just adjusting to the altitude. The altitude is tough, but I’m good. I just water down my body and get as many reps as I can.”
Sophomore quarterback Cody Hawkins, who threw for more than 3,000 yards last season, is thrilled to have Scott in his backfield along with Ray Polk and Rodney Stewart.
“Defenses are definitely going to have to be wary … because we’re going to have some great running backs with a great ability to run the ball, but we’re also going to have some playmaking wide receivers who can move down the field as well,” he said.
Running backs coach Darian Hagan said he’s eager to mold his raw backfield, which he thinks is the most talented in the country. And what about the national attention that follows Scott?
“I don’t think it’s burden, I like it. It puts Colorado back out in the national scene and that’s all you can ask for,” he said. “Darrell’s a humble kid, he knows there is no such thing as entitlement, he has to work hard in order to achieve the success that he’s had before. He’s come in and he fits right in with the guys, the guys like him. They call him five-star, it’s a good match.”
Polk and Stewart will get their share of attention, too.
“Darrell is a power/speed back. Ray is more of a slasher type of guy and Rodney is just a blur,” Hagan said. “That dude is so quick when he runs I don’t think his heels ever touch the ground. He’s constantly moving forward.”
