With speed, power, and a championship mindset, Miami Hurricanes' Mark Fletcher Jr. aims to dominate college football's rushing charts, aiming for elite status.
Despite losing key players to the upcoming NFL Draft, the Miami Hurricanes retained several core pieces for next season, including star running back Mark Fletcher Jr. Last season, he rushed 216 times for 1,192 yards, scoring 14 total touchdowns. After playing his first two years with the program as a backup, the 21-year-old elevated to a starting role.
Fletcher Jr. finished 18th in total rushing yards in the nation. However, he missed a couple of regular-season games against the Syracuse Orange and North Carolina State Wolfpack due to an undisclosed injury, which was sustained in the 26–20 overtime loss against the SMU Mustangs. Despite his absence being an opportunity for Girard Pringle Jr. to shine, the Fort Lauderdale native could have finished closer to the top 10 without missing any time.
The Hurricanes looked to establish the run game against each opponent and as Fletcher Jr. returns for a senior year, the philosophy can remain the same. He’s a running back who has both speed and power, making it difficult for defenses to bring him down, plus squeeze through gaps or run down either side of the field. Fletcher Jr. isn’t a selfish player, but talented enough to be one of the nation’s leaders in rushing yards.
The Hurricanes successfully retained all running backs from last season, including CharMar Brown and Jordan Lyle. Despite Pringle Jr. planning to enter the transfer portal in the offseason, he agreed to return shortly after.
Fletcher Jr. will very likely remain the program’s top option.
Part of the Hurricanes’ success in establishing the run game was the offensive line. The starting group will look different next season as left tackle Markel Bell, right guard Anez Cooper, center James Brockermeyer, and All-American right tackle Francis Mauigoa depart for the upcoming NFL Draft. Regardless, the new group is expected to carve out the same gaps for Fletcher Jr. to rush through.
However, the number of attempts for the All-ACC running back might not be as high as last season’s 216.
The Hurricanes revamped the roster during the offseason with a few transfer portal additions, including All-ACC quarterback Darian Mensah. He’s known to have accuracy, especially down the field for explosive plays. Alongside him came All-ACC wide receiver Cooper Barkate, plus a couple of more in Vandrevius Jacobs and Cam Vaughn. The offense improved overall with retention and additions.
Coming off a National Championship, Fletcher Jr. enters next season as an established star. He rushed 75 times for a new College Football Playoff record 507 yards, scoring three total touchdowns. The 21-year-old had multiple historic moments, including being named Offensive Player of the Game in the Cotton Bowl against the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Regardless of touches or final numbers, Fletcher Jr. prioritizes team success above individual accolades. Next season, the Hurricanes are looking to take care of unfinished business, and he’ll play a major role in the journey.
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