Texas optimistic about Scott

Most recruiting analysts rank Texas as a slight favorite over Colorado in the race to sign Darrell Scott, the nation's top-ranked HS running back, today. Scott will make his announcement live at 11:50 a.m. on ESPNU.

Scott has an uncle who plays for Colorado -- they're only one year apart in age and played together in HS -- so the Buffs have a strong emotional pull working for them. Texas, however, has an immediate vacancy at TB, now that leading rusher Jamaal Charles is headed to the NFL.

Scott's decision is the lone hanging chad in determining whether Texas' class cracks the Top 10 nationally. It's a borderline group without him, a Top 10 class with him. Already, nine incoming freshmen are enrolled for the spring semester and will take part in spring drills: OL Mark Buchanan, WR Dan Buckner, RB Brock Fitzhenry, DB Blake Gideon, RB Jeremy Hills, LB Dravannti Johnson, RB Tre Newton, OL David Snow and K Justin Tucker.

Texas is expected to sign 20 or 21 players, depending on Scott's decision.

-- Jimmy Burch