Getting to Know: Jordan Scarlett
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During the home stretch of the 2015 recruiting cycle, Jim McElwain and the new Gators coaching staff landed a key piece in their inaugural class when four-star running back Jordan Scarlett committed to Florida.
The 5-foot-11, 210-pound Scarlett was a standout at Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas High School in 2014 after he transferred to there from The University School. The No. 188 player in the class of 2015, Scarlett picked the Gators on Feb. 2 a day after decommitting from Miami and less than two weeks after his official visit to UF's campus. Scarlett was one of the first offensive players McElwain targeted once he assumed Florida's head-coaching position last December.
In Scarlett, the Gators get a quick and physical tailback with good size who may immediately see playing time in the backfield. He and fellow 2015 running back signee Jordan Cronkrite join a group that returns only three running backs on scholarship: Kelvin Taylor, Adam Lane and Mark Herndon, the latter who was once a walk-on and is coming off of a torn ACL.
Scarlett, who plans on wearing No. 25 this season for the Gators, graduated from high school May 17 and is set to enroll at UF starting the Summer B semester when he arrives in Gainesville with the rest of the signees next Tuesday.
Inside the Gators caught up with Scarlett for the latest segment of our "Getting to Know" series for the incoming 2015 freshmen signees.
What led to your decision to attend the University of Florida?
Scarlett: Throughout my whole recruitment process, I was always just looking for somewhere where I can get early playing time and a lot of exposure, and being around good people and great coaches. I think that's what UF brought to the table for me.
Speaking of early playing time, what has the coaching staff said to you about that?
Scarlett: They told me that they're not that loaded at the running back position. He's looking for guys to come in and step in and take a lot of reps, and that's what I do. So I'm willing to help him out.
What aspects of your game are you aiming to polish this summer and fall?
Scarlett: Definitely pass blocking and catching out of the backfield. You know, just the basics. There's never too much space for improvement.
What would you say is your greatest strength as a football player?
Scarlett: I think I get a lot of yards after contact and I do a great job with my breakaway speed, so that'll help me a lot.
When you arrive next week, what will your mindset be like for the rest summer workouts and fall camp? What are you expecting?
Scarlett: I'm definitely expecting to contribute to the offense as much as I can, but I'm going to just feel out the offensive line and get my head into the playbook some more once I get up there and take it one step at a time.
What have your interactions with Jim McElwain been like so far?
Scarlett: He's a funny guy. A lot of people look at him and think he's a serious, kind of old-fashioned dude, but he's actually a jokester - and that's what I like about him. But when it comes down to football, he gets very serious and takes pride in his offense. That's what I like about him, too.
What are your relationships like with offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier and running backs coach Tim Skipper?
Scarlett: Coach Nuss is the same deal - he takes pride in his offense. He likes using running backs. Me and him have a great relationship. We talk all the time. Me and Coach Skip have a really strong relationship too because he's my running backs coach and dealing with me through this whole process. I can't wait to get up there with Coach Skip and hang out with him some more.
What was your favorite part of your recruitment process?
Scarlett: I'd say my favorite part was taking official visits and seeing different schools and how different places operate.
What was your least favorite part of your recruitment process?
Scarlett: It would definitely be the pressure coming from other schools and whatnot.
If it weren't for Florida, where would you have signed?
Scarlett: Either Miami or Florida State.
Have you decided on a college major yet?
Scarlett: No, not really. I'm looking to talk to some mentors when I get up there and see what's best for me.
Who on the roster currently are you really close with? Which Gators helped you along the way during your recruitment?
Scarlett: I'd say Quincy Wilson, because he was my former teammate at University School and we already have a good relationship together. He helped when I got up there to see how everything was. Brandon Powell was my host on my official visit, and he showed me a good time, too.
Florida offensive guard signee Richerd Desir-Jones, your teammate at St. Thomas Aquinas last year, mentioned to me during his "Getting to Know" interview that he'd be rooming with you this year. How would you describe your relationship with him?
Scarlett: We've been going back from the beginning of the season when I transferred to St. Thomas. We all had one goal, and it was just to get to the state championship. He made a promise to me that he had my back and I had his. We didn't know that we'd end up at the same school, but now I'm grateful. He's a great football player and he works hard, so I'm willing to do anything for him.
If you could play any team at home in the Swamp who would it be?
Scarlett: I definitely want to play Alabama at home in the Swamp, because after what happened last year, it kind of embarrassed them. I feel like we've got to get a game from them back.
Do you have any superstitions or rituals in your personal life for before a game?
Scarlett: No rituals really. I just would listen to music before the games and kind of get in my own zone and try to visualize plays and make sure I'm doing all of my right assignments.
Which NFL team is your favorite?
Scarlett: I'd say I'm a Miami Dolphins fan.
If you were to eventually become a first-round NFL draft choice, what is the first thing you would buy?
Scarlett: I'd definitely buy my mom a car.
If you could play with any former college athlete, who would it be and why?
Scarlett: I think I'd want to play with the Pouncey brothers. I watched them when they went to Florida and did their thing, and now they're doing it in the NFL.
Are there any former college football players you model your game after?
Scarlett: Eddie Lacy and Trent Richardson. I like those running backs.
Who is your favorite athlete outside of football?
Scarlett: Michael Jordan.
What's your favorite genre of music to listen to? Any artists in particular you like?
Scarlett: I like hip-hop, and I like Kendrick Lamar. That's my favorite.
What is your favorite TV show?
Scarlett: I don't really watch much TV, but ESPN.
What is your favorite movie?
Scarlett: "The Longest Yard," the remake. It was hilarious.
Which celebrity would you most want to trade places with for one day?
Scarlett: I'd want to say Lil' Wayne, because he's always on tour and he's always doing crazy stuff.
If you could ask any female celebrity out on a dream date, who would it be?
Scarlett: Meagan Good. She's just my dream girl.
Name one thing you can't live without.
Scarlett: My phone.
What is on your bucket list? Name three things you want to do before dying.
Scarlett: Actually, I want to go mountain climbing. I don't know. I pretty much did everything I wanted to. All the other stuff I'm scared of, to be honest.
