Injury concerns and missing captaincy honors suggest a backfield shift for the Miami Hurricanes, opening the door for explosive depth options and a key return.
MIAMI, Fla. – The No. 6 Miami Hurricanes announced the Week 4 captains, but senior running back Mark Fletcher Jr., who’s been named the previous three weeks, wasn’t mentioned.
Although it’s not official, it suggests that the 21-year-old will not play this Saturday against Central Michigan at Hard Rock Stadium. Given it's not an Atlantic Coast Conference matchup, Fletcher Jr.’s status won’t be 100 percent certain until 6:30 p.m. E.T.’s kickoff. However, it’s a strong possibility that the Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) native won’t play since he suffered a minor upper-body injury in last Friday’s 33-20 win over Wake Forest.
Given the loss of redshirt junior CharMar “Marty” Brown for the rest of the season with a severe right-knee injury, Fletcher Jr.’s health needs to be monitored. He’s the Hurricanes’ top option in the backfield. Central Michigan presents an opportunity to give other running backs opportunities and gain experience.
If Fletcher Jr. is indeed ruled out, freshman Javian Mallory appears to be the top option to start. In three games this season, he’s rushed 20 times for 196 yards and scored two touchdowns – both against Florida A&M. Mallory is a physical and explosive running back who routinely breaks tackles.
Sophomore Girard Pringle Jr. would benefit from extra snaps. After showing flashes late last year, the Tampa (Fla.) native taking that step could be critical for the Hurricanes’ run game moving forward. As a freshman, in the last four games of the regular season, Pringle Jr. rushed 48 times for 302 yards and scored two total touchdowns (one rushing and one receiving).
A couple of other running backs deep in the depth chart, like redshirt sophomores Chris Wheatley-Humphrey and Jack Whitehouse, could be called upon throughout the rest of the regular season.
Of course, the wait for Jordan Lyle’s return will soon be coming to an end. After a legal case involving alleged fleeing from police and serving a private team suspension, the 21-year-old appears ready to return to the field this weekend. Lyle’s production will be very critical without Brown.
However, the path to consistent playing time is with in-game experience. Lyle was limited to six games last season primarily because of injuries. He showed great flashes as a freshman, including a 91-yard dash against the South Florida Bulls. Lyle can regain that potential, but only by playing meaningful snaps. The opportunities will present themselves on Saturday.
The Hurricanes are loaded at the running back position, even without Fletcher Jr. on top of Brown’s extended absence. It would benefit the room to fully test it before ACC play and a primetime matchup against No. 3 Notre Dame at South Bend, Indiana.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
