Heralded RB might return to Buffs

When last we heard from Darrell Scott, the running back who was the crown jewel of Colorado’s 2008 recruiting class was leaving the football program and thought to be headed to UCLA.

A couple of reports over the last 24 hours have surfaced, however, hinting that Scott could find his way back into the Buffaloes’ fold.

By way of Tim Griffin‘s Big 12 blog on ESPN.com, CBS4 in Denver is reporting that Scott has met with head coach Dan Hawkins about possibly returning to the program.  A source told the station that Scott has yet to be reinstated, and that such a decision would not come down until Hawkins had a chance to speak to players and coaches.

The Boulder Daily Camera has more on the current state of Scott’s situation.

The Camera has not been able to confirm the report, but has confirmed that Scott was not enrolled in spring semester classes as of the close of business on campus Monday. It is unlikely Scott would enroll in spring classes at this point. He would need permission from a dean to do so.

If Hawkins and his assistants and the rest of the team decide to bring Scott back to the program, the running back could redshirt next season or play. The NCAA allows a “missed term exception” for every student athlete one time in their careers, meaning as long as Scott took summer classes, he would probably be able to make enough progress toward his degree to be academically eligible in the 2010 season.

If Scott does not enroll for the spring semester he will not be able to participate in spring practices or the spring game on April 10.

Scott was the top running back in the country in 2008 after rushing for over 7,600 yards and 99 touchdowns as a California high schooler.

Thus far, he’s failed to even remotely come close to his pre-collegiate hype, thanks in part to injuries.  In 16 career games, Scott has rushed for 438 yards and just one touchdown.