Mark Fletcher Jr. highlights his fellow running back's clutch performance, proving that true readiness unlocks crucial victories for the surging Miami Hurricanes.
The Miami Hurricanes continue to establish a new culture, especially with the latest success in the College Football Playoffs, advancing to the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl semifinals. It's resulted in a massive turnaround compared to the status the program was in just a couple of years ago. One of the key factors in this current run has been Mark Fletcher Jr. attacking the gaps at the line of scrimmage.
The junior star running back carried the Hurricanes' offense in the first round against the Texas A&M Aggies, rushing 17 times for 172 yards, which set a new College Football Playoff record. After battling with a hostile environment, plus windy conditions, the 21-year-old carried the entire program to victory, after a final score of 10-3. Fletcher Jr. exploded for a 72-yard rushing play, which was the perfect setup for the game-winning touchdown by freshman star wide receiver Malachi Toney.
The Hurricanes would then face the reigning champion Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinals. It was sort of a deja vu experience for Fletcher Jr., having originally committed to the midwestern program before deciding to stay home. The other challenge was going up against the Buckeyes' defense, which only allowed 100 total rushing yards three times throughout the regular season.
However, that didn't stop the Miami native from carrying the football 19 times for 90 yards, finishing with 115 total, finding the endzone in the second quarter. Fletcher Jr. came through with numerous critical plays, which resulted in him being named the Offensive Player of the Game. Despite fumbling the ball early in the game, it didn't affect his game, finishing with a massive statement.
While the local hero has gotten most of the attention and praise, it wasn't just him carrying the Hurricanes through the run game, but also redshirt sophomore CharMar Brown. The 20-year-old saw limited time on the football field towards the end of the regular season. During the Hurricanes' final four-game winning streak, he only rushed 26 times for 109 yards, recording two touchdowns. Despite Fletcher Jr. missing a couple of games due to injury, freshman running back Girard Pringle Jr. made a late surge, similar to Toney.
It takes a special kind of player to stay ready instead of taking the easier route and entering the transfer portal.
In the fourth quarter against the Buckeyes, Brown came alive, helping the Hurricanes finish the job and securing the victory. He rushed five times for 26 yards, finding the endzone for the dagger, resulting in a final score of 24-14.
Fletcher Jr. praised his running back partner for stepping up when it mattered most.
"When your name is called, just be ready," he said. "[Brown] is a pro. He's always ready to go in and make an impact in a game. Just to see my brother go out there and score, it was a great thing to see."
The performance of the Nebraska native speaks to the level of depth and talent on the Hurricanes' roster. Brown proved his talents against the Florida Gators, rushing 18 times for 80 yards, finishing with 133 total, and recording two touchdowns. It was his best performance of the year.
The Hurricanes could utilize Brown more against the Ole Miss Rebels on Thursday, Jan 8th, at Glendale, Arizona, 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on ESPN.
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