Miami Hurricanes retain a powerhouse backfield. Discover who's poised for a larger role as the program eyes another dominant run game.
Last season, the Miami Hurricanes made it a mission each game to establish the run game. They had great, consistent production and look to repeat that level of success after retaining all running backs. However, there may be a shift in who gets how many snaps for next season.
Here's an early look at the adjusted running back depth:
1. Mark Fletcher Jr.
The head of the snake returns for a final stint with the program: Mark Fletcher Jr. The 21-year-old rushed 216 times for 1,192 yards and scored 12 touchdowns in 14 games last season. He played a tremendous role in the Hurricanes' turnaround, especially in the College Football Playoffs. In the four games, he rushed 75 times for 507 yards and scored three touchdowns.
It's a no-brainer that Fletcher Jr. will be the Hurricanes' number-one running back next season. He provides great size and strength, listed at 6-2, 225 pounds. The Fort Lauderdale native has become a homegrown hero.
2. CharMar Brown
CharMar Brown was part of an impactful transfer portal class, which consisted of quarterback Carson Beck, defensive backs Keionte Scott and Jakobe Thomas, and wide receivers CJ Daniels and Keelan Marion. He finished last season with the second-most carries, rushing 122 times for 474 yards and scoring seven touchdowns.
The 20-year-old had great moments throughout the season despite limited opportunities. He's very physical and can explode for a big game or drive, listed at 5-11, 220 pounds.
Brown didn't have a 100-plus rushing yard game with the Hurricanes, but closest came against the Florida Gators, 80 yards after 18 rushing attempts. He could earn more snaps with an impressive showing at spring training.
3. Girard Pringle Jr.
The Hurricanes had strong contributions from a few freshmen, such as wide receiver Malachi Toney, safety Bryce Fitzgerald, and running back Girard Pringle Jr. Despite not having a consistent role, the Tampa native showed out in the final four games of the regular season: rushing 48 times for 302 yards and scoring two touchdowns.
There were reports of the four-star high school recruit planning to enter the transfer portal following the National Championship. However, the Hurricanes managed to retain him for another season. Coach Mario Cristobal could share extra snaps for the 19-year-old and potentially compete to move higher in the depth chart throughout spring training.
Pringle Jr. possesses great speed and versatility, being able to run both inside and outside the tackles.
4. Jordan Lyle
Despite a season derailed by injuries, Jordan Lyle is still a proven, reliable running back. In six games, he rushed 35 times for 108 yards and scored a touchdown against the Louisville Cardinals. Lyle might not be as high on the depth chart compared to his freshman season, but Fort Lauderdale could still be serviceable. If consistently healthy, he could be relied upon more in certain games, especially with the upcoming Hurricanes schedule appearing weaker compared to last season.
However, opportunities may remain limited with the rise of Pringle Jr.
5. Chris Wheatley-Humphrey
As the Hurricanes retained all running backs for next season, that will leave Chris Weatley-Humphrey buried in the depth chart. He rushed 23 times for 115 yards, five yards per carry, in 11 total games throughout two seasons with the program. Weatley-Humphrey was a three-star recruit coming out of South Broward High School. If serious injuries occur, he may find more opportunities for playing time. Otherwise, it's a "wait your turn" situation.
Jack Whitehouse and Terrell Walden II are other running backs on the roster who are deeply buried in the depth chart and likely won't see playing time next season.
The Hurricanes retaining its entire running back core is impressive, especially in a time when college athletes enter the transfer portal at an extremely high rate. Despite having a new-looking offensive line, the run game will likely be a top priority to establish.
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