In late December, prized high school running back Jordan Scarlett pledged to bring his talents to Florida Atlantic University, following his former high school coach Roger Harriot.

Harriot, formerly the head coach at Davie’s University School, was hired by Charlie Partridge to become to newest FAU running backs coach.

Scarlett, a four-star recruit, told the Miami Herald that he saw Harriot as a father figure of sorts. It was thought that their bond might keep Scarlett committed until February 2015, when he could have officially signed to a National Letter of Intent.

It wasn’t meant to be. Scarlett spoke with Ryan S. Clark of the South Florida  Sun-Sentinel regarding his decision.

“I felt like FAU wasn’t the best decision for me academically and out on the football field,” Scarlett said. “At my position, you need your body and at FAU, I would need to carry the team, and I’m trying to get my body ready for the NFL.”

Before an NLI is signed, all commitments are referred to as “soft,” meaning they are subject to change. The NLI is a legal document binding a recruit with the school he has chosen. Once it is signed, the commitment is referred to as “hard.”

Soft commitments are subject to hearing from other schools that are looking to have them change their decision. Bigger, more prestigious schools with more talent probably told Scarlett that he would suffer too much punishment within the FAU system.

Scarlett broke the news of his de-commitment on Twitter by retweeting a slew of people whom he informed of the decision offline.

Now re-opening his commitment, Scarlett is considering South Carolina, Florida State, Ohio State and the University of Miami.

Note: Three-star class of 2015 safety Rodrick Archer —  a cousin of Jordan Scarlett — is still committed to the Owls, be it soft. As of publication time, his decision has not changed.

Wesley Wright is the Sports Editor of the University Press. He can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @NotEvenWes.