With Mark Fletcher Jr. and CharMar "Marty" Brown likely locking down the top spots, a fierce battle brews between proven veterans and rising talents for crucial backfield snaps.
MIAMI, Fla. – Although having quarterback Darian Mensah and a revamped wide receiver core surrounding local rising star Malachi Toney is expected to be an explosive offense, the run game returns with proven production. Despite today’s world of college football, with NIL and the transfer portal, the Miami Hurricanes kept the running backs room completely intact.
Mark Fletcher Jr. returns as a senior and one of the biggest backfield stars. He’s coming off a historic College Football Playoff run – rushing 75 times for a record-breaking 507 yards, scoring three touchdowns, including two in the National Championship game. Fletcher Jr. is known as a versatile running back with speed and power.
In three notable matchups – Texas A&M, Ohio State, and Indiana – the Fort Lauderdale native delivered momentous drives. Behind Fletcher Jr. was CharMar “Marty” Brown – both of whom were the only Hurricanes to run the ball at least 100 times last season.
The Nebraska native finished with 474 rushing yards on 122 attempts, scoring nine total touchdowns on the year. Despite having the opportunity to explore the transfer portal for a starting job, Brown decided to stay with the Hurricanes for another season.
As both backfield X-factors are likely to remain as the one-two punch, running backs coach Favian Upshaw will need to make a difficult decision: who is third on the depth chart?
Behind Fletcher Jr. and Brown are junior Jordan Lyle, sophomore Girard Pringle Jr. – both of whom have started at least one game for the Hurricanes – and freshman Javian Mallory.
Unlike wide receivers, it’s not often a team plays multiple running backs at the same time. Regardless of how snaps are split, everyone cannot be satisfied. It’s arguably the biggest test for players, especially title contenders.
Pringle Jr. probably had every reason to redshirt, but didn’t and wound up helping the Hurricanes reach the College Football Playoffs. He didn’t play much right away, but in the final four games – Syracuse, North Carolina State, Virginia Tech, and Pitt – of the regular season, the Tampa native saw extended time on the field. Pringle Jr. rushed 48 times for 302 yards, scoring two total touchdowns.
The 19-year-old reportedly planned to enter the transfer portal, but quickly decided to remain in South Florida. He’s a speedy running back, but Lyle could provide a challenge. Before Fletcher Jr. cemented himself as one of college football’s most prolific players, he was on the rise.
As a freshman, Lyle rushed 54 times for 400 yards, scoring four touchdowns in all 12 games. Fast forward to last season’s opener against Notre Dame at Hard Rock Stadium, he was named the starter in the backfield. However, injuries derailed Lyle’s trajectory throughout the year.
In just six games, he rushed 35 times for 108 yards, scoring a touchdown – not appearing in any College Football Playoff games, including the National Championship. Ahead of fall camp and the upcoming season, the 21-year-old is looking to restore order.
Lyle is another speedy running back, but with a little more power than Pringle Jr. showed as a freshman. He was a full participant in spring practices, including the exhibition game at Cobb Stadium. It could very well be the beginning of a comeback season for him.
Mallory is a primary redshirt candidate given all the veteran talent ahead of him. He was a four-star top-30 running back recruit, according to 247Sports Composite. Mallory rushed 524 times for 4,479 yards, scoring 69 total touchdowns in five seasons – including as an eighth grader – at West Boca Raton Community High School.
Given all the factors, Lyle would be the suitable option to start the new season as the Hurricanes’ third-string running back. Coach Upshaw mentioned in spring that it could be anybody’s night. It must suit him to know that the room is filled with starting-caliber players.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP and stay even more connected!
Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
