As key playmakers return for a high-stakes clash at Death Valley, the No. 4 Miami Hurricanes must balance immediate production with long-term health by leaning on rising depth.
MIAMI, Fla. – After missing last Saturday’s 52-3 win over Central Michigan at Hard Rock Stadium, the No. 4 Miami Hurricanes are set for the return of running back Mark Fletcher Jr. and defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Sr. (both seniors) against Clemson, but it should be taken with caution.
The backfield supporting cast suffered a difficult loss of redshirt junior CharMar “Marty” Brown, who is out for the rest of the season with a severe right knee injury, which was sustained against Wake Forest on Sept. 18. He was the primary backup to Fletcher Jr., but an opportunity for more snaps presents itself.
As the Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) native is inserted back into the mix, it would be beneficial to make it an emphasis to play sophomore Girard Pringle Jr., freshman Javian Mallory, and redshirt sophomore Chris Wheatley-Humphrey more.
For starters, Fletcher Jr. shouldn’t return to a heavy workload. As the Hurricanes’ go-to running back, the 21-year-old’s long-term availability is valuable. Fletcher Jr. proved to turn things up a notch when the lights got brighter in last year’s historic run to the National Championship game.
Plus, Pringle Jr., Mallory, and Wheatley-Humphrey can gain experience playing college football in a hostile environment. Memorial Stadium, otherwise known as Death Valley, is one of the sport’s most historic venues. Pringle Jr. only logged six snaps in last year’s College Football Playoffs and Wheatley-Humphrey had 19, but only on special teams.
As Hurricanes offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson looks to spread the workload in the backfield, this Saturday presents an opportunity to play at least four different running backs. They will be facing Clemson’s junior linebacker, Sammy Brown, who was the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2024.
Moten Sr. is off to a slow start this season. Thus far, in 91 snaps across three games, he’s logged three total tackles, a solo and two assists, 0.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, and four pressures. Moten Sr. suffered a left shoulder injury against Wake Forest, left early, then returned to play the rest of the game.
Despite having first-round projections in the 2027 NFL Draft, the Hurricanes still need the star defender healthy in the long run. It presents an opportunity for sophomore Jarquez Carter and junior Keona Davis, who have been serviceable in reserve roles, to step up.
The Hurricanes have great depth at both running back and defensive tackle. As much of a challenge Clemson may present, utilizing it for the benefit of both returning stars from injury could be part of the strategy for winning on the road.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. E.T. this Saturday and will be televised on ABC.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
