SACCO: Scott’s wait is finally over

STAUNTON
Finally, the phone calls could stop.

His family’s mailbox would no longer runneth over with college envelopes light enough to be blown around by a stiff breeze, yet heavy enough to weigh down the strongest of high school athletes.

On Wednesday, as previously reported by this newspaper, R.E. Lee quarterback Dae’ Quan Scott made it official – his verbal agreement to play football at Richmond was just that. His John Hancock, however, let the world know that Scott would be taking his talents up the road (or “down the Valley,” as is the proper terminology around these parts) to Harrisonburg where he’ll don the purple of James Madison University.

In front of a small group of onlookers and media at R.E. Lee, Scott put on a fresh-out-of-the-bag JMU hooded sweatshirt and bit the tag off a purple Dukes hat before slowly and meticulously signing his name on the letter of intent.

Then he let out a sigh. A big one.

It was all over. It was all done.

The high-school football career? Over.

The electrifying senior season that saw him compile 3,085 total yards and 47 no-not-a-typo touchdowns? Fin.

“My decision came after my visit [to JMU] last week,” Scott said, noting the mind-changing moment where he knew the Dukes’ spread offense – similar to what R.E. Lee runs – would be a better fit.

Why spurn Richmond?

“I think I rushed into things before I made my final decision,” he said.

Fair enough. This was, after all, his decision and if Scott has the talent to succeed on the level formerly known as Division I-AA, he should be making the one that’s right for him.

And, if his coach at Lee, David Tibbs, is to be believed, then Scott is going to do just fine on the next level.

“I’ve been coaching for 21 years and if his football footage and his ability to play football doesn’t make you think he can play football then, well, I don’t know,” he said. “I know some bigger schools made a mistake, but their loss is JMU’s gain.”

Tibbs didn’t take center stage at all Wednesday, watching the 24th player from Lee in 13 years earn a college scholarship for football from behind the cameras. His arms at his side, a hint of a smile on his face. It doesn’t get old, Tibbs said, watching players from his program move on to the next level.

What did get old for Scott was the phone calls (“They would come every day,” he said.) or the too-full mailbox that filled up two boxes he still has at home.

“It did get old,” he said. “But I’d do it again if I had the chance.”

So, flanked by his mother, Gail, and father, Eddie, Scott sat back in his chair after he put the pen down. He said he wanted to play his freshman year and not get red-shirted at JMU. He said he’s going to JMU as an athlete with a shot at taking the helm of the offense.

His decision is going to make it easier for fans of R.E. Lee, and most importantly, his parents, to see him on Saturdays when he plays at home.

Parts of those Quarterback Club dreams are fulfilled. Whether his ultimate dream — playing pro ball — comes to fruition will take some time and hard work. Both of those are on Scott.

But, on Wednesday, he reveled in completing the first step.

And it started with a sigh.

“I’m not glad it’s over,” he said. “But I’m glad it’s over.”

A pause and, finally, a wide grin.

“It’s a good day,” he said.