“My time at SAU was great
and filled with amazing,
supportive people in every aspect…”
Jariq Scales
Some athletes leave a mark, but others redefine what is possible. Jariq Scales belongs to the latter. The Osceola, Arkansas, native has cemented his place in Mulerider Football history as one of the greatest ever to wear the blue and gold. Over four seasons, he built a legacy of excellence, shattering records, thrilling fans, and proving that success isn’t limited to the gridiron—it also extends to the classroom.
Few players can claim the title of “record-breaker,” but for Scales, it’s almost an understatement. His name is etched in multiple categories across Mulerider history: all-time leader in rushing yards (4,475), all-purpose yards (5,557), and rushing touchdowns (48). His single-season rushing yards record (1,475) was set in his very first season, setting the stage for a legendary career. While he narrowly missed the record for most rushing yards in a single game (falling just 19 yards short of the 264-yard mark) and career rushing attempts (just 26 carries behind the all-time leader), his impact on the field was undeniable. Every snap, every carry, and every touchdown painted a picture of a player who wasn’t just good but exceptional.
From the moment he stepped onto the field as a freshman in 2021, it was clear that Scales was something special. That year, he took home the Great American Conference Freshman of the Year award and earned All-GAC Second Team honors. But that was just the beginning. As a sophomore, he didn’t just maintain his success—he elevated it. His 1,043 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns earned him All-GAC First Team honors for the first time. The following season, he outdid himself yet again, improving his rushing total to 1,189 yards, recording a career-high 15 touchdowns, and averaging an impressive 6.39 yards per carry. By the end of the year, he had secured another First Team All-GAC selection and was named the Live United Bowl’s Most Valuable Player. His senior season was another testament to his consistency and dominance, with 768 rushing yards and 12 more touchdowns, making him a three-time All-GAC First-Team selection.
Scales wasn’t just a star on the field—he was an exemplary student-athlete. In 2022, he earned a spot on the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team, balancing his athletic achievements with academic excellence. The following year, he raised the bar again, being named to the CSC Academic All-American team, a recognition reserved for the nation’s most accomplished student-athletes.
His gratitude is evident as Jariq Scales reflects on his time at SAU. “My time at SAU was great and filled with amazing, supportive people in every aspect,” he shares. But his journey is far from over. With his talent, drive, and versatility, he has his sights set on the professional level. “I feel I am one to watch at the professional level because of my versatility and desire to win.”
One thing is certain: the Mulerider community will be watching, waiting, and cheering for one of their greatest to take the next step.
