Running back Jordan Scarlett returned to the team this spring after being suspended in 2017. (Photo: Alex de la Osa/UAA Communications)
Scarlett: 'I'm just grateful to be back out here'
Friday, April 6, 2018 | Football, Scott Carter
Jordan Scarlett, in his first comments to the media since his suspension last season, is appreciative of another chance with the Gators.
Scarlett returned to the field last month when the Gators opened spring camp, and on Friday, he crossed another hurdle in his comeback by talking to the media for the first time since prior to last season.
Scarlett took over as Florida's starting tailback in 2016 and rushed for 889 yards and six touchdowns. He was primed for a big season in 2017 until news broke the week of the season-opening game against Michigan that Scarlett was one of nine players suspended.
Instead of playing for the Gators, Scarlett said he spent the season watching them on TV and working out in case UF cleared him to return. That call never came.
UF cleared Scarlett to rejoin the team after he entered a pre-trial intervention program in which if he completes without any infractions until November, his case will be dropped.
He spoke with a calm and reserved tone on Friday as he met with reporters.
"It feels great to be back out here in the swing of things, especially with my teammates,'' Scarlett said. "I missed those guys a lot the past season. I'm just grateful to be back out here."
Scarlett is the veteran member of a talented Florida backfield that features junior Lamical Perine, sophomore Adarius Lemons and freshmen Iverson Clement and Dameon Pierce. Prior to his reinstatement, Scarlett had to meet with head coach Dan Mullen and convince UF he deserved another opportunity.
Scarlett could not participate in team activities last season and spent the time focused primarily on his legal issues and staying in shape. He said he contemplated entering the NFL Draft but never considered transferring to another school for a second chance.
Ultimately, he wanted a second chance with the Gators.
"I just felt like I had a lot of unfinished business here and I owe my team a lot from last year, so I decided to come back and give them all I got,'' he said. "It was very difficult, a tough time for me considering how much I care about and love football. It was just a time for me to sit back and reflect on life. It was a big learning lesson."
Naturally, the follow-up question was what did he learn?
"I just learned I can't take the game for granted,'' Scarlett said. "I realized the whole time I was obviously taking the game for granted and when I made that mistake. I won't ever do that again."
Scarlett's return provides the Gators with a 5-foot-11, 206-pound combination of speed and power. Scarlett is also a good receiver out of the backfield.
While Mullen hasn't said what role Scarlett will play, he has suggested he likely has a key role as one of the SEC's top returning backs in 2018. Scarlett had three 100-yard games as a sophomore and rushed for the most yards by a UF freshman or sophomore in 21 years.
Perine said the Gators are better with Scarlett back on the team.
"He's just being a good leader for us, bringing a positive attitude to the team,'' Perine said Friday. "I'm just happy he's back. He is a good guy to be around. He is going to do a lot of good things for us."
Scarlett said during his suspension he tried to remain positive and take care of his personal affairs that put him in the predicament in the first place.
"I was just more focused on me getting out of the trouble I was in and then hopefully the university would accept me back and they did. And I'm grateful for it,'' he said. "I wasn't sure if I was going to come back any week, so I was working out constantly. I used to work out every day, sometimes twice a day because I didn't have much to do. I was just staying prepared in case I did get that call to come back."
In his meeting with Mullen, Scarlett said he was uncertain what to expect since they did not have a previous relationship. He hoped there was still a place for him on the team.
"I just told him that I apologize and that I was really sorry for what I did,'' he said. "The choice is his, but I was just ready for whatever decision he was going to give to me. It was pretty difficult. I love the game of football. It was hard for me knowing that it was my breakout season possibly and I didn't get to even showcase my talent at all and all the hard work I put in through the summer."
Since his return, Scarlett said he is learning more about the game from new running backs coach Greg Knox and enjoying being back around his teammates, things he once took for granted. Scarlett opened camp in excellent shape and has looked sharp in drills as he attempts to regain his standing in the lineup.
After flirting with the idea of declaring for the draft, Scarlett said UF remains the best place for him despite the rocky road he has traveled the past eight months.
"I took my options and I was just laying it out and seeing where I would be picked up,'' he said. "I just said it would be better if I finished school, graduate and have one more season with my guys."
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