Jordan Scarlett’s impact for Florida Gators

Jim McElwain took over the Florida Gators coaching job in December and called the opportunity an “honor” and “humbling.”

“You look out and you see that stadium, you think about all the great players, people, tradition that has been built at the University of Florida. That’s something that is so exciting,” he said. “I grew up in Montana. These are things you dream about.”

Then McElwain took a look at the Gators depth chart. There is obvious talent throughout the roster but also huge, glaring needs, specifically on the offensive side of the ball. The situation on offense is dire; McElwain knows it, fans know it.

Monday night McElwain secured a commitment from one of the best running backs in the state in St. Thomas Aquinas standout — and former Miami commit — Jordan Scarlett, who will be the cornerstone of the first recruiting class as McElwain rebuilds the Gators’ offense.

Now, the situation seems much less dire than before.

Scarlett is the biggest offensive signing in the recruiting class and will play immediately for the Gators. The 5-10, 225 pound running back is put together like a NFL back; he’s quick, fast and physical. Jason Milgrom has spent 13 seasons coaching at St. Thomas Aquinas — a football powerhouse that sends dozens of kids to Division I schools every year — has never quite seen an athlete like Scarlett.

“No, honestly. We try to make comparisons all the time but he’s kind of incomparable when it comes to what he looks like and what he can do on the field. He is a freak,” Milgrom said affectionately. “He’s got the ability to stop and start and once he gets going and gets downhill he’s gone. I think that’s the big thing about him too, he’s a home run hitter.”

Scarlett’s combination of size and speed are blue chip through and through. His work ethic, according to those who have coached him, is off the charts.

Scarlett transferred to St. Thomas from University School. Despite only spending one year at Aquinas, Scarlett fit right in with his new teammates and in a new program. “He’s not a rah-rah guy,” said Milgrom. “He’s very much introverted in the idea that he’s quiet but leads by example. He goes out there every day and he works hard.”

Scarlett is also well rounded. Despite being physically gifted with the ball in his hands, he’s unselfish and takes pride in being able to be a true three-down running back, working on catching the ball out of the backfield and blocking on passing plays.

“I think one of the main things about him that I would constantly point out in film sessions; here’s a kid with however many offers that he has and he was probably our best back that we had in pass protection and our best back that we had in blocking in general,” Milgrom said. “We put him down at fullback and we actually used him to block because he was our best blocker.”

Scarlett’s ability on the football field is eye opening and he comes in at a big position of need for the Gators. Starting running back Matt Jones left school early for the NFL and the Gators are expected to use sophomore running back Brandon Powell as more of a flex/receiver option in McElwain’s new offense. That leaves just Kelvin Taylor and Adam Lane left to do the heavy lifting. Scarlett is young, but he just might be the best back that Florida will have in 2015 and he’s going to be given every opportunity to make an impact instantly.

“Florida is getting an explosive type of football player,” Milgrom said of Scarlett. He’s going to be hard working. He’s going to be a guy that is going to pop off a lot of big runs.”

“They’re going to love him in The Swamp. He’s gonna get that place rocking because he can take it the distance any time he touches it.”