After shattering records in the playoffs, the bruising Fort Lauderdale native returns to Coral Gables, drawing Derrick Henry comparisons as he climbs elite 2027 NFL Draft boards.
MIAMI, Fla. – Instead of declaring for the NFL Draft – alongside recruit classmates Francis Mauigoa and Rueben Bain Jr. – Miami Hurricanes’ Mark Fletcher Jr. decided to return for a senior season. The 21-year-old surged in the College Football Playoffs by rushing 75 times for a record-breaking 507 yards, scoring three total touchdowns.
Whenever the team needed momentum, the Fort Lauderdale native answered the call.
Coming off a career season, Fletcher Jr. is looking to lead the Hurricanes’ running back room once again. As this upcoming season will be the homegrown star’s final time wearing “The U” uniform, he has an opportunity to go out on a high note.
However, where does Fletcher Jr. currently rank among running back prospects?
This year, the position was highlighted by All-American and Heisman Trophy finalist Jeremyiah Love (No.3 pick – Arizona Cardinals), alongside the other first-round selection, Jadarian Pierce (No. 32 pick – Seattle Seahawks).
Fletcher Jr. isn’t the only prolific running back prospect ahead of the 2026 season – Florida’s Jadan Baugh, Ole Miss’ Kewan Lacy, and Missouri’s Ahmad Hardy are draft-eligible, but with the option to return to college with another year.
In Wednesday’s edition of “With the First Pick” podcast, former NFL General Manager and Super Bowl champion Ron Carthon listed Fletcher Jr. as the second-best running back prospect in the 2027 NFL Draft. Meanwhile, host and analyst Ryan Wilson listed him as the sixth-best.
Both had the Gators star ahead of the face of the Coral Gables program.
Fletcher Jr. received comparisons to AJ Dillon and five-time Pro Bowler Derrick Henry.
The Hurricanes star is listed at 6-2, 225 pounds, and still has room to grow on the field. He’s a powerful unit from the backfield – difficult to bring down. Fletcher Jr. primarily runs up the middle, but very effectively. He’s seen limited action in the pass game, but completed 17 passes last season for 140 yards, scoring two touchdowns (all career-highs).
It will be interesting to see how much coach Mario Cristobal and offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson will rely on the run game this upcoming season. Despite being effective last season and retaining the core, the program secured a gun-slinging threat in Duke transfer Darian Mensah. He’ll be surrounded by several high-quality weapons, highlighted by local star Malachi Toney and former Blue Devils teammate Cooper Barkate.
Fletcher Jr. should still see a good number of carries each game, leading the Hurricanes’ run game again, and hopeful of another National Championship chase.
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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
