Miami Hurricanes running back Mark Fletcher Jr. shares the important aspects of life that contribute to his successful season.
The Miami Hurricanes continue to push for the College Football Playoffs as they prepare to face the Pitt Panthers on Saturday afternoon. The team ranked 12th in the latest Selection Committee rankings, so everything is on the line as the bracket is within reach. Given the mess of the ACC, the program's best chances of making it are through an "at-large" bid.
The Hurricanes' season has been strong, despite a couple of stumbles on the road. One of the keys to their success has been the run game, in which junior Mark Fletcher Jr. has been the vocal leader.
The 21-year-old is set to have an outstanding year: rushing 131 times for 655 yards and 10 total touchdowns. In last week's game against the Virginia Tech Hokies, Fletcher Jr. reached the end zone on the receiving end for the first time in his collegiate career.
He attributes his faith to the success:
"I believe just locking in my faith, getting closer to God," the former four-star recruit said. "Just being honest and real with myself. I feel like that's allowed me to just come out here, put in the work, have that unwavering faith to continue grind, not settling for less.
Fletcher Jr. is ninth on the Hurricanes' all-time rushing touchdowns.
"Continue to chase greatness every single day," he added.
The record is 35, which is currently held by program Hall of Famer Stephen McGuire.
Last year, Mark Fletcher Sr., his father, passed away at the age of 53, which has been his "why?"
"Before my dad passed, I was playing football strictly because it was just fun," Fletcher Jr. said. "I loved doing it, kept me busy, this [is] what I love doing. I think around the beginning of my sophomore year, I was coming off an injury, had hard times, and I was like, 'Am I really falling out of love for this game?' I hate to say my dad passing was a reason to give me a why, but God's plan, it doesn't make sense to our plan that we have for ourselves. I feel like him passing; he did all his work. He did everything he needed to do. He laid out the platform for me; I just had to take that in and accept that. He's my why now, because he was always there, always motivating me to continue to put in the hard work, always stay humble, never settle for anything. Whenever I think of him, it just makes me go harder. That's why he's my why."
The junior running back missed a couple of games due to injury, but has returned in time to help the Hurricanes achieve postseason aspirations.
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