AUSTIN, Texas – As of Tuesday, January 23, the College Sports Communicators released its Academic All-American lists across all levels of college football. For the second-consecutive season, Jariq Scales is tabbed to the Academic All-American First Team thanks to his talent on the field, but more importantly he earned the recognition due to his work ethic in the classroom. Towards the end of 2023, Scales was one of three Muleriders named All-Great American Conference First Team as well as CSC Academic All-District. The Osceola, Arkansas native played a huge role in the Farmers Bank & Trust Live United Bowl Game as he aided his squad to defeat the (RV) Missouri Western State Griffons with 172 yards on the ground off 17 attempts and one entry into the endzone. Due to his showing against the respected MIAA program, Scales claimed the Live United Bowl Most Valuable Player and guided his team to a 10-2 campaign.
 
RUSHING STATISTICS
In his 2023 campaign, the Natural State native accounted for 1,189 total yards off of 186 carries (6.4 yds/car.) with 15 touchdowns on the ground while averaging 99.08 yards per contest. Scales recorded four ballgames with 100+ rushing yards this season against Arkansas Tech (151), at Southern Nazarene (119), Arkansas-Monticello (176 | season-high), and Missouri Western State. The junior had been responsible for four competitions where he had multiple rushing scores against Arkansas Tech (3 TDs), at Henderson State (2 TDs), at Northwestern Oklahoma State (3 TDs), and Arkansas-Monticello (3 TDs). The longest rush recorded by Scales this season came out to 58 yards against Missouri Western State.
 
RECEIVING STATISTICS
Scales was an effective receiver out of the backfield as well as she was responsible for 29 receptions for 235 yards (8.10 yds/rec.). The junior had recorded just one receiving touchdown, but accounted for a career-high 72-yard reception while on the road against Northwestern Oklahoma State (W, 42-14, 11/4). Thanks to the 72-yard reception, Scales recorded a career-high 97 receiving yards in a game at 97 yards.
 
ACADEMIC
Scales has earned a 3.50 grade point average thus far as a graduate student with a major in Kinesiology-Coaching. As an undergrad, the Osceola, Arkansas native accounted for a grade point average of 3.63 as he graduated with his Bachelor's of Science in Sports Management with an emphasis on Coaching.