Syracuse, N.Y. -- Running back Jawhar Jordan, a Syracuse football commit from last cycle, has been cleared by the NCAA and plans to enroll in January, he said in a series of text messages.

Jordan, who played for Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.) High School, took one online class before graduation in the summer and one class afterward. He said he's been in touch with members of the SU staff throughout the process.

"This process have been a bit stressful," Jordan said. "(I) honestly thought I'd make it through back in February. Odds were against me. It's OK though. I knew that I would do whatever I had to do to get to the greatest school in the world."

The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Jordan was rated three stars and the No. 19 all-purpose back in the Class of 2018 by 247Sports.com's composite rankings. He committed to the Orange in June 2017 over other finalists Kansas, Rutgers, Iowa State and Arizona. Other schools including Texas, UCLA, Oregon and Florida State pursued him following a senior season in which he rushed for 1,774 yards and 27 touchdowns on 185 carries (9.6 ypc), per MaxPreps.com.

Jordan, who grew up in Long Island, was a commit in the Orange's Class of 2018, but did not sign due to academic concerns stemming from his freshman year transcript. He said he only was made aware of the issue last December.

"I've been in contact with (offensive coordinator) Mike Lynch, (former director of player personnel Dave) Boller, recruiting director (Kramer) Cook, also (SU assistant athletic director of compliance) Justin DiTolla. They all have been supportive, checking up on me week after week. They were basically running with me throughout the whole process and they're very much appreciated."

Jordan, who has been working out with local trainer Larry Graham, said he's worked to improve every aspect of his game this fall.

He will join a crowded backfield that includes junior Moe Neal, the team's top back thus far in 2018, standout freshman Jarveon Howard and Oklahoma transfer Abdul Adams, a junior who is sitting out this season due to NCAA rules. Sophomore Markenzy Pierre rounds out the team's scholarship running backs.

"I had to delete my social media to stay focused, but I did see all the comments from the Syracuse fan base... bad and good," Jordan said. "It's OK because they kept me motivated. I worked so hard to get to this point. To make it up to the fans I will give them something they've never seen before on that field."

Jordan becomes the 11th member of the Orange's Class of 2019 and the first running back.

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Stephen Bailey covers Syracuse football for The Post-Standard/Syracuse.com. You can follow him on Twitter and Facebook. He can also be reached anytime via email.