Florida Gators stars Jordan Scarlett, Vosean Joseph declare for 2019 NFL Draft

By Adam Silverstein
January 2, 2019
Florida Gators stars Jordan Scarlett, Vosean Joseph declare for 2019 NFL Draft
Football

Image Credit: UAA

The hits to the roster for the Florida Gators keep coming now that the 2018 sesason is officially in the books. Redshirt junior running back Jordan Scarlett and junior linebacker Vosean Joseph announced Wednesday that they will not utilize their remaining eligibility and instead declare for the 2019 NFL Draft.

Scarlett, who averaged 5.9 yards per carry for the Gators one season after sitting out the entire 2017 campaign due to a suspension, made his announcement on Instagram. Scarlett finishes his career with 1,846 yards rushing and 12 total touchdowns and is expected to be listed among the top 15 backs available in the draft. That likely puts him as an early Day 3 selection.

“To begin, I would like to start by thanking Gator Nation for the tremendous love and support given to me over the past 4 years. This season has shown me just how much I truly love the game and what it means to be a Florida Gator,” he wrote. “You have pushed me to run harder and be better then ever before and helped me become not just a better student athlete but a better person as well both on and off the field, and for that I will always bleed orange and blue.

“… After much soul searching and discussions with my family, I will be declaring for the 2019 NFL Draft. I feel this decision is in my best interest for my future and I have been so fortunate for the undeniable opportunity to live out my childhood dream and play in the National Football League. … I want you to know that I gave it my all every single time I laced up. This isn’t goodbye, it’s see you later Gator Nation. You truly are the best and I love y’all from the bottom of my heart!”

Joseph, who played all three years with the Gators and started the last two, made his announcement on Twitter. He did not put up amazing statistical numbers at Florida but is among the top five outside linebackers available in the upcoming draft and will likely be a Day 3 selection.

“Over the past three years, I’ve developed so much as a player but even more so as a person, and things like that is what makes me appreciate the University of Florida so much more,” he wrote. “… TO end my three years with Gator Nation the way we did has been a revelation for me on the field and I’ve learned the real meaning of hard work and family. The atmosphere here at Florida has raised the standard of everyone on our team and how great each individual can be. … I’m a Gator for life and I’ll be back to watch my boys ball out in the years to come and to finish my degree down the road. As I move forward, I hope to make as positive an impact on Gator Nation and the football world, the same way this school and fan base have impacted me!”

Scarlett and Joseph join juniors defensive end Jachai Polite, offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor and defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson as five Gators who have declared for the draft with eligibility remaining.

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