After spurning Ohio State to rebuild UM's football program, the star running back rejected the NFL draft to chase a national championship and cement an everlasting legacy in Coral Gables.
MIAMI, Fla. – Before the University of Miami’s football program completed its turnaround, coach and alum Mario Cristobal needed to bring the right players who believed in what he was trying to build. Despite an inaugural 5-7 season in 2022, several recruits remained committed to the Hurricanes, including running back Mark Fletcher Jr.
The Fort Lauderdale native was ranked a four-star top-150 prospect, according to 247Sports Composite. He originally committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes for seven months before flipping to the Hurricanes – following an official visit to the Coral Gables and Florida Gators’ Gainesville campuses – ahead of National Signing Day.
Fletcher Jr. ultimately stayed close to home.
As the program’s rebuild began trending in the right direction, the local running back was climbing the ranks. Following a breakout junior season, including a trip to the National Championship game, Fletcher Jr. has emerged as one of college football’s most prolific players.
The 21-year-old rushed 216 times for 1,192 yards, scoring 14 total touchdowns. He earned All-ACC Third Team honors and was the Offensive Player of the Game in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinals after a 24-14 outing against the Buckeyes. Despite having the opportunity to explore the transfer portal or declare for the NFL Draft, Fletcher Jr. decided to return for a senior season.
In a recent interview on the Next Up podcast, hosted by Andrew Breneman, the local star elaborated on being the face of the program he grew up watching.
“It’s a blessing,” Fletcher Jr. said. “It’s a privilege to be called a Hurricane and be looked at as the face of this program. There’s no weight on my shoulders. I just have to do my job and I love doing it. I’ll do anything for this school – they know that. There’s no stress at all.”
Fletcher Jr. made Phil Steele’s All-ACC and All-American preseason lists. After the Hurricanes retained the entire running backs room, such as CharMar Brown, Girard Pringle Jr., and Jordan Lyle, he’s expected to lead once again. Fletcher Jr. is one of college football’s most versatile backfield playmakers – a balanced combination of speed and power.
Entering a sendoff season with the Hurricanes, Fletcher Jr. watched the program grow from falling short of standards to a National Championship contender. Despite having every reason to jump ship, he stuck to coach Cristobal’s vision and has seen the light on the other side of the tunnel.
As title aspirations surround the Coral Gables campus, Fletcher Jr. is looking to contribute to delivering hardwood.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
