Florida Gators sophomore running back Jordan Cronkrite will transfer away from the program and will not play in the Outback Bowl on January 2.
“We wish Jordan nothing but the best and will do everything we can to support and assist him and help him get what he wants,” McElwain said in a released statement.
Cronkrite won the starting job out of spring camp but was injured during a scrimmage, opening the door for three other running backs. Fellow sophomore Jordan Scarlett ran through that door, starting eight of the Gators 12 games in 2016. Scarlett led the team in rushing with 165 attempts for 795 yards and the emergence of freshman Lamical Perine (84 carries) pushed Cronkrite even farther down the depth chart.
That frustration led Cronkrite to leave the team for a week and he did not travel to Jacksonville when the Gators played Georgia.
Following the game, when asked about Cronkrite’s status with the team, McElwain responded, “He’s trying to figure out whether he wants to play or not. Our door’s always open for him. Until he finds his way in what he wants to do, we’re here to support him.”
Cronkrite carried the ball just 31 times for 145 yards and one touchdown in 2016. Deployed mainly on third downs, he also hauled in 20 passes this season for 120 yards and another score.