Jordan Scarlett Decommits from Miami: What's Next for Hurricanes, 4-Star?

Miami suffered their second decommitment from a 4-star running back within the last month when Jordan Scarlett announced he was backing off his pledge to the Hurricanes on Sunday.

The 5’11”, 222-pounder will announce his decision between Florida, Florida State and Miami on Monday.

While the ‘Canes are still stated as a team he’s considering, Scarlett’s decision is likely to come down to the ‘Noles and the Gators.

Where does Miami turn, and how do Florida and Florida State stack up in the race to land the nation's No. 12 running back?

For starters, Scarlett’s defection is a huge blow to the ‘Canes 2015 class.

Heading into 2015, a trio of 4-star rushers in Scarlett, Dexter Williams and Mark Walton gave Miami perhaps the nation’s top backfield class.

Now, only Walton remains.

Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

Williams—who decommitted from Miami on Jan. 2, per Nate Adelson of InsideTheU—still has the ‘Canes among his finalists along with Notre Dame and Louisville.

According to Adelson, Williams—who will decide on signing day—is still considering the Hurricanes for a few reasons.

“I haven’t talked to them much because I know they’re busy,” Williams said. “The coaches are still trying to see if they can open a spot in the best interests of the team. I understand where they’re coming from. At the same time, they were my first offer and I was committed there for a long time. I would like the chance at staying in Florida to play for them and that’s basically.”

If the ‘Canes are unable to land him, a class with Walton as the lone rusher headed to Coral Gables would be a disappointment considering the trio they expected earlier in the cycle.

As for Scarlett, both Florida and Florida State present him with unique opportunities.

New Gators head coach Jim McElwain would love to add Scarlett and tab him as the back that represents the future of his offense.

With Kelvin Taylor entering his junior season and sophomore Brandon Powell more of a shifty back, Scarlett potentially has a more navigable path to find the field early in his career in Gainesville.

At FSU, Jimbo Fisher has rising sophomore Dalvin Cook and incoming 4-star rusher Jacques Patrick—who is already on campus as an early enrollee—ready to form a strong punch in the backfield.

Adding Scarlett would give the ‘Noles a mix of young and talented rushers who can hurt defenses in different ways.

Fisher and his staff have consistently reeled in top talent in recent years, which lends credence to the theory that the ‘Noles offense will still be a potent unit in the post-Jameis Winston era. Scarlett would give Fisher another versatile skill weapon with which to surround his new quarterback. 

All three Sunshine State powers would love to have the services of a big and powerful back such as Scarlett.

If his Crystal Ball page is any indicator, his recruitment will be a bitter fight until the very end.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.