BOULDER — Although Darrell Scott struggled through a frustrating day against Eastern Washington, the Colorado freshman tailback has pulled even with sophomore Demetrius Sumler atop the depth chart, running backs coach Darian Hagan said.
Call Scott and Sumler No. 1 and No. 1A in the pecking order?
“Pretty much,” Hagan said. “Who starts depends on the play we call at the beginning of the game. But I’m confident in starting Darrell with the (first-string offense) now.
“Darrell has gotten better in pass protection, and I trust him in critical situations. But we can’t wean him off the bottle yet. Twice, Eastern Washington was blitzing and he ran a (pass) route when he should have stayed in the backfield picking up a linebacker.”
Scott had just 39 yards on 13 carries Saturday, and Colorado coaches expect more from the tailbacks Thursday night against No. 25 West Virginia. CU averaged 2.7 yards per rush against Eastern Washington.
At least Scott had one bright moment. If the game had been televised, Scott might have made the ESPN “plays of the day” highlights. While breaking into open field for a 22-yard gallop, he hurdled over a safety who was diving for his legs.
Scott said he had used that move countless times during his high school years in Southern California.
“I only do that when I know I can clear the guy,” Scott said, grinning.
Footnotes.
Speakers for the Eddie Crowder memorial service Saturday (2 p.m., Folsom Field) are expected to include former CU coach Bill McCartney, former CU All-American Bobby Anderson, former CU regent Jerry Rutledge and Eddie’s daughter, Carol Jean. . . . In lieu of flowers, the Crowder family asks that donations be made to the CU Foundation, referencing the Crowder Football Scholarship. Checks can be mailed to The Buff Club, 369 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309-0369. . . . CU sophomore wideout Josh Smith leads the nation in kickoff returns, averaging 50 yards on four returns.
Tom Kensler, The Denver Post
