After a near transfer, Miami Hurricanes' sophomore Girard Pringle Jr. fights for a bigger role, showcasing speed and potential beyond the traditional running back duties.
Despite all the new faces, the Miami Hurricanes’ run game will have the most continuity heading into next season. They retained the entire core of homegrown star Mark Fletcher Jr., CharMar Brown, Girard Pringle Jr., and Jordan Lyle. However, there was a close call during the offseason.
It was reported in late January that Pringle Jr. planned to enter the transfer portal after a limited freshman season. He rushed 62 times for 375 yards, scoring five total touchdowns in nine games. The Tampa native made brief appearances in the College Football Playoffs, but didn’t step on the field in the National Championship game.
The Alabama Crimson Tide were reportedly interested in the promising 19-year-old running back. However, the former four-star recruit backed out of his plans shortly after the report.
Last season, the Hurricanes primarily split running back snaps between Fletcher Jr. and Brown. However, after the offseason events, the program could look to find extra wiggle room for Pringle Jr. He proved to be a reliable rotation player in the final four games of the regular season: rushing 48 times for 302 yards, scoring two total touchdowns. The late contributions were meaningful as they helped the Hurricanes reach the College Football Playoffs in the first place.
Pringle Jr. is listed at 5-10, 190 pounds, and possesses great speed for a running back. He could be utilized as a receiver in certain schemes, creating opportunities to mix up opposing defenses.
Brown’s game revolves around physicality and power. Listed at 5-11, 220 pounds, the redshirt junior is capable of ramming through defensive lines.
Pringle Jr. is still projected to be the third-string running back, but with the extra depth at the wide receiver and tight end positions, it could create opportunities to run certain plays specifically for him.
Last season, the Hurricanes’ offense lacked explosive plays, but that looks to change with All-ACC quarterback Darian Mensah leading the charge. Also, the program brought in several other pieces, including All-ACC wide receiver Cooper Barkate, Vandrevius Jacobs, and Cam Vaughn.
Offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson has several weapons to work with that can put points on the board, including Pringle Jr. The development of the sophomore running back will be a continuous process that could earn him extra playing time throughout the season.
Climbing the depth chart, even to a backup role, will be significantly difficult. However, Pringle Jr. showcased being ready when called upon. If he continues to progress throughout spring training and before the regular season, more field time is a possibility.
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