Jordan Scarlett Commits to Florida, Gives Gators Huge Recruiting Win over Rival

Jordan Scarlett's commitment tour across the Sunshine State continued Monday evening, when the running back pledged to Florida:

Scarlett, who previously spent time committed to Miami and Florida Atlantic, chose the Gators over longtime rival Florida State. He is the first 4-star prospect picked up by Jim McElwain and a new Florida coaching regime. 

The 5'10.5", 222-pound playmaker visited Gainesville for an official visit that started Jan. 23. Scarlett spent the past weekend in Tallahassee and announced his decommitment from Miami on Sunday, leading many to believe a future with the Seminoles awaited. 

Instead, he provides a significant boost for a Florida class in dire need of improvement. McElwain inherited a decimated prospect haul and struggled to immediately gain momentum on the recruiting trail. 

However, Scarlett is his seventh addition since last Wednesday. This successful stretch gives Florida hope for a strong finish that could include 5-star prospects Byron Cowart, Martez Ivey and CeCe Jefferson.

The Gators also prevent Florida State from further loading up in the offensive backfield. The Seminoles already welcomed 4-star running back Jacques Patrick to campus as an early enrollee, joining freshman standout Dalvin Cook. 

The Seminoles lost a commitment from North Carolina speedster Johnny Frasier last month. Scarlett would've been an excellent replacement, but instead he'll spend his college career in The Swamp.

He committed to FAU as a junior but eventually backed off the surprising verbal pledge. His pledge to the Hurricanes occurred in July, while attending The Opening in Oregon.

Scarlett rushed for 1,224 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2014, his lone season at Fort Lauderdale powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas. He is rated 12th nationally among running backs in 247Sports' composite rankings.

The Gators' recent influx of talent elevates the team to 45th nationally in 247Sports' class rankings. That's more than 30 slots better than where Florida sat this time last week.

Recruit info and ratings courtesy of 247Sports.