Javian Mallory Boosted Miami Hurricanes' Run Game as Mark Fletcher Jr. Went Down

MIAMI, Fla. – While the Miami Hurricanes were scrapping for every yard against the Florida State Seminoles, star running back Mark Fletcher Jr. was unable to finish the game, which meant freshman Javian Mallory was called to step up.

Head coach Mario Cristobal confirmed following the 43-35 double-overtime win that the 22-year-old got “banged up” during the game. However, it’s believed not to be severe. Fletcher Jr. finished with 66 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown while playing 36 snaps before being sidelined.

Mallory appears to have a different feel for the game when playing at Hard Rock Stadium. When facing Florida A&M, the 19-year-old erupted for 142 rushing yards on 10 carries and scored two touchdowns. Despite not getting in the game early, Mallory was prepared and seized the moment.

In 28 snaps, the former West Boca Raton recruit had 108 rushing yards on 13 carries and scored two touchdowns. Mallory had four of the Hurricanes' seven run plays with at least a 10-yard gain. He continues to shed light on a bright future on the field.

Mallory’s first big burst came in the Hurricanes’ second drive of the third quarter. He rushed down the middle and broke through a few tackles beyond the line of scrimmage for 25 yards. Mallory followed with a 17-yard dash while going down the left sideline. He knocked offensive line coach Alex Mirabal off his feet without noticing.

However, the drive didn’t result in any points.

Entering the fourth quarter and trailing by a touchdown, Mallory punched the end zone to tie up the score.

Fast forward to the first overtime, Seminoles fifth-year quarterback Ashton Daniels threw a 20-yard pass to star wide receiver Duce Robinson for a touchdown. The Hurricanes needed a score and Mallory delivered with a 25-yard dash to force a second overtime. In a make-or-break situation, the Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) native responded to the call.

The Hurricanes scored in overtime, including a two-point conversion, which was enough to grab a hard-fought win. Mallory has joined 2026 recruiting classmates Ben Congdon (left guard) and JJ Dunnigan (safety/nickelback) as standouts among freshmen. Even before veteran running back CharMar “Marty” Brown was ruled out for the season, he was carving out a consistent rotational role.

Now, Mallory appears to be the primary backup. He’s on pace to receive Freshman All-American honors by the end of the season. Fletcher Jr. called him “the next great running back.”

The Hurricanes will return to Hard Rock Stadium for next Saturday’s matchup against the Pitt Panthers, while honoring the 2001 National Championship-winning team. Kickoff is scheduled at 12:00 p.m. E.T. and will be televised on ESPN.

More Miami Hurricanes News:

- "UM's Bryce Fitzgerald Displayed Sacrifice in Win Over FSU"

- "No. 3 UM Stand Tall in Double-Overtime Thriller Against FSU"

- "Did UM's Darian Mensah Secure Heisman Trophy Frontrunning Status?"