OHIO Football
The number 3
Scott looks to become starting quarterback in first year with Bobcats
By Michael Weisman, Senior Sports Writer
May 12, 2007 | noon
Three. That is the number that sums up new Bobcat quarterback Theo Scott. From his name to his jersey number to the number of schools at which Scott has played college football, three says it all.
Theodisthree Scott, his birth name, is named after his father and grandfather, both Theodis'. His parents decided to add the "three" to his first name, rather than naming him Theodis Scott III to make him unique. But Scott's name isn't the only thing unique about him, so is the 2,333-mile journey he made from his hometown of Long Beach, Calif., to Athens, Ohio, a place he had never heard of a year ago.
Along his journey, Scott has learned how to win and how to be a leader with his sharpened, fundamental skills. In 2004, his senior year of high school, Scott led Long Beach Poly to a California state championship. He guided the team to a 12-1 record while passing for 1,921 yards and 23 touchdowns. On his championship team were wide receiver DeSean Jackson, an All-American in 2006, and defensive back Gary Doxy, who both decided to attend the University of California at Berkeley.
Scott joined his teammates as Golden Bears, but was forced to redshirt as the competition at quarterback was too deep. Scott ran the scout team for Cal and enjoyed giving the first team defense headaches in practice, he said. Cal coach Jeff Tedford, who has coached NFL quarterbacks Kyle Boller (Baltimore Ravens) and Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers), taught Scott a lot.
"Coach Tedford is a great coach in a quarterback system that is extremely, extremely difficult. I learned a lot of things, mainly fundamentals, which he's strict on, throwing the ball correctly, making the right reads and good decisions," Scott said.
After Scott realized he would not start for the Golden Bears anytime soon, he transferred to Los Angeles Southwest Junior College in 2006. There he started nine games, throwing for 1,179 yards and five touchdowns, while also running for a score.
Scott's stay in Los Angeles wouldn't last long, however, as he received a call from Ohio cornerbacks coach Dave Brown one Tuesday night.
"I had heard of coach (Frank) Solich, but I didn't know he was here. I had not heard of Ohio," Scott said. "When Coach Brown called me ... I was like Ohio University? Who's that? Are they D-I? So I went on the internet and looked them up, found a little about the Bobcats and the MAC conference and thought this was pretty cool."
After attending the Akron game last season that clinched the MAC East title and talking to his family, Scott decided Athens was the best place for him, despite other schools contacting him and the cold weather, he joked.
Theodisthree transferred to Ohio for Winter Quarter, so he was eligible for spring practice, where he had his first taste of Bobcat football.
"I believe I'm in the right place. This is my second home. The guys -- we're bonding real well. I like them a lot. The team took me in as family," he said.
Scott's uniqueness extends beyond his name and his journey, however, as his athleticism also separates him from the other Ohio quarterbacks vying for the starting job. Scott didn't take long to show his teammates and his coaches what he's capable of doing.
"He's a very athletic guy, who throws the ball well and has worked hard since he got here to get used to the system," said Ohio quarterbacks coach Gerry Gdowski. "We've thrown lots at him and he's done a good job with that. He has the physical tools you're looking for (in a quarterback)."
At 6 feet 1 inch and 197 pounds, his body is ideal for running Ohio's dominant ground game and option attack. Scott showed his talents in the annual Green and White spring game played April 21. Scott had the longest play from scrimmage, a 44-yard option keeper in the first quarter in which he cut across the field to avoid tacklers. He finished the day 9-of-16 passing for 86 yards.
"(Scott) will be the type of quarterback that can scramble and make big plays for you, but he's also got the ability to pass so it'll be interesting to see how that plays out," Ohio coach Frank Solich said.
A starter will not be named until fall practice in August, Solich told reporters after the spring game, though the front runner is returning senior Brad Bower.
"My attitude is…just go out and compete. I want the job just as bad (as the other quarterbacks)," Scott said. "I need to play hard and try to show the coaches I'm able to take control of this team."
Look for Scott on the field in September when the season starts, he’ll be wearing number three.
Sounds like OU has itself a controversy. Read what the Campus Sports Guy thinks about the 2007 Bobcat quarterback situation.