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Scott has a big leg
Posted August 5, 2008
A lot was made of Dan Hawkins saying last month at Big 12 Conference media days that he might consider using top running back recruit Darrell Scott at punter or as a decoy in the punt formation at times this season.
Scott proved Tuesday in the first practice of training camp that he has the ability to give Hawkins the option. During the punt team portion of practice, Scott booted about a dozen balls getting decent hang time and length on most of his kicks. His kicking style is a little unconventional. He doesn't completely follow through with his leg.
If Scott is able to kick as well just once during a game this season, it will create a nightmare for opposing special teams coaches and players who will have to honor both the run and the kick when he is back there. And let's not forget Scott threw the ball successfully on several occasions during his high school career.
Scott said he discovered his ability to kick while playing on a soccer team in the sixth grade in the Dallas area, where he lived for less than a year.
The first practice went well for the Buffs with about 100 spectators on hand. Freshman linebacker Lynn Katoa still is not being allowed to fully participate in practice.
"Not until he gets all of his stuff finished for school, we don't want him to get out here," Dan Hawkins said. "He gets a little bit antsy, but we want him to get all his stuff done for school first."
The veterans his the field this afternoon at 4:30.
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Posted by rodrigo on August 5, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.
Maybe the Buffs and DS can resurrect the ol' drop kick.
I like that Katoa is hanging around the program and getting "a little bit antsy..." Big years await if he keeps it clean.
Posted by TallyBuff on August 5, 2008 at 9:15 p.m.
OK, so the USA Today Coaches Poll <http://www.usatoday.com/sports/colleg... is out, and while we all know how meaningless it is, it still gives us cause to exercise our fingers. We play four top 15 teams, and three ORVs (others receiving votes). We get one vote in the poll, so that's good news.
Preaseason Coaches Poll Rankings of CU Opponents
CSU [at Invesco]
Eastern Washington
West Virginia (#8)
@ Florida State (ORV*)
Texas (#10)
@ Kansas (#13)
Kansas State
@ Mizzou (#7)
@ Texas A&M (ORV*)
Iowa State
Oklahoma State
@ Nebraska (ORV*)
* Other Receiving Votes
I see five sure Ws on the schedule: CSU, E Wash, KSU, ISU, and OSU. Call me Pollyannish, but I like our chances against WVU and on the road in Austin.
The humidity in Jacksonville worries me, but if we can walk into that game 3-0, I like our chances there, too. Texas A&M we should beat, though a road win there can be tough to come by. Call it a toss-up.
Kansas and Mizzou are likely to be too tough for road wins, but it remains to be seen whether those clubs can pick up where they left off. If they do, we are in trouble. If not...
We should certainly beat the Huskers, but as much as they like to deny it, that's a rivalry game, and given the 50/50 recent history, I call it a toss-up.
All-in-all my best guess is an 8-4 season. But if we beat Texas and Nebraska on the road, I'll be a happy camper whatever the rest of the season brings.
Posted by Buffs44 on August 5, 2008 at 10:14 p.m.
texas is a home game
Posted by BEL on August 6, 2008 at 12:59 a.m.
Personally, I hope that Scott is never called upon to do any punting. A punter is left in a very exposed and vulnerable position as the ball is kicked. I have seen onrushing players, who were attempting to block the punt, actually break the legs of punters. The worst incident that I have seen occurred when Bobby Joe Greene of the Chicago Bears got his kicking leg broken by an onrushing defender. It was a sickening sight.
Posted by DCBuff on August 6, 2008 at 8:07 a.m.
BEL - I totally understand your concern. But I can only see Scott being used in short punting situations when the Buffs are closer to the end zone. Also, with Scott in the backfield as a running threat or possibly used to run a screen, I can't see opponents rushing too many defenders. But you are right, there is a risk.
Posted by KFC on August 6, 2008 at 10:38 a.m.
Roughing the kicker penalty is the stiffest penalty in football. Although punters have gotten hurt, its rare.