"We didn’t know whether he would want to stay or not," Brown said. "He started talking about staying around the A&M game. So, it was late and we couldn’t file (an appeal) until the season was over. I think his (decision) was so easy because he missed two complete years and was never redshirted. I was worried that he might not get an answer before the (NFL) Draft. That would have been unfair to him."
NCAA officials informed Brown of their decision on Tuesday, leaving Texas coaches only to consult with Scaife about his options. Juniors and seniors have until Jan. 15 to declare for the NFL.
"We told him, ‘You do have it (extra year). Are you sure this is what you want to do?’" Brown said. "He said, ‘If I get the appeal, I want to stay.’ So, he’s excited about it."
Scaife was Texas’ fourth leading receiver, and tops among tight ends, with 201 yards on 15 catches including two TDs. His longest reception of his career was a 39-yarder in the season opener against New Mexico State.
Scaife missed both the 2000 and 2002 campaigns with knee injuries, but sandwiched between those two seasons was Scaife’s remarkable performance in the 2001 Holiday Bowl. In what was the biggest comeback in Texas football history, the Horns overcame a 19-point third-quarter deficit to upend No. 21 Washington. No small part of the triumph was Scaife’s career night, including a personal best for both receptions (seven) and yards (84). He added a 4-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter.
Unfortunately, what’s left of senior RB Ivan Williams career is the possibility of a limited number of snaps in the Dec. 30 Holiday Bowl. Williams suffered a knee injury in a pickup game of basketball in February. He saw limited action against Tulane before suffering a re-injury against Kansas State.
It’s a bittersweet consolation that the 2001 Holiday Bowl also ranks as Williams’ best outing in a Longhorn uniform. In that win over Washington, he had a career-high two rushing touchdowns, including the game winner with 38 seconds left.
"He practiced a little bit today," Brown said. "If it’s safe enough for him, I’ll try to put him in some. But he still can’t run."