The Miami Hurricanes have the depth to make a run at the National Championship, including freshman running back Girard Pringle Jr., looking to leave a similar impact as Malachi Toney.
The Miami Hurricanes' offense throughout the regular season was able to punish opponents and score in multiple ways, whether by passing, running, or even a few trick plays. They displayed a great level of dominance, especially in the final four games, which kept the College Football Playoff dreams alive, despite the odds against them. However, it wasn't only the stars such as Carson Beck, Malachi Toney, Mark Fletcher Jr., Keelan Marion, CJ Daniels, etc. When the team was dealing with injuries during the most important point of the season, their depth stepped up when it mattered most, especially Girard Pringle Jr.
The freshman running back went to Armwood High School in Seffner, Florida, near Tampa. In his sophomore year, he rushed 107 times for 622 yards, recording eight touchdowns, while also catching 15 passes for 176 yards, plus a touchdown.
Pringle Jr. received offers from multiple powerhouse programs, outside of the Hurricanes, such as the Florida Gators, Alabama Crimson Tide, Georgia Bulldogs, etc. On March 23rd, 2024, he committed to taking his talents to Coral Gables.
To begin the college football season, the 19-year-old saw limited field time, appearing in three of the first seven games. However, the rotations would change after the Hurricanes faced the SMU Mustangs. Following the difficult loss, with a final score of 26-20 in overtime, junior star running back Mark Fletcher Jr. would be sidelined due to injury.
It was unfortunate, but it would mean an opportunity for Pringle Jr. to prove himself. In the following weeks' matchup against the Syracuse Orange, he carried seven times for 55 yards, including a touchdown. It was important for the Hurricanes to respond to adversity, with their backs against the wall, to reach the College Football Playoffs. They won the game, with a final score of 38-10.
Afterwards, Pringle Jr. elevated into a starting role against the North Carolina State Wolfpack, and lived up to it, carrying 17 times for 116 yards, including two receiving touchdowns. The Hurricanes won with a final score of 41-7. The four-star recruit proved to be impactful when it mattered most.
There's no doubt that Toney is the best freshman in the nation this season, but Pringle Jr. could be just as impactful for the Hurricanes as they'll face the Texas A&M Aggies in the first round of the College Football Playoffs. Of course, Mario Crisotbal will put the best players on the field who give the team a great chance of winning, but the Tampa native proved he can, especially towards the end of the regular season.
It'll also be very critical of the offensive line to create gaps for Pringle Jr. to slip through. The Aggies' defensive line finished the regular season with 41 sacks, tied for first in the nation, alongside the Oklahoma Sooners.
It's going to be a very competitive matchup from all angles.
Pringle Jr. finished the regular season rushing 58 times for 362 yards, including four touchdowns. It's also worth noting that in every game he's played, the Hurricanes have won, a 7-0 record.
The game is set for Saturday, Dec. 20th, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on ABC.
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