A new and talented group of backs steps into the spotlight for the Canes
As the Canes move into the 2025 season, we begin our position previews with a group that will undoubtedly be key to continued success: Running Back.
While the passing game led by Cam Ward rightfully got the majority of the headlines for the Canes in 2024, the run game was both efficient and dynamic. Coming in 31st nationally and #1 in the ACC, Miami’s run game was a great part of an elite offense (#1 in the country). That success on the ground came from a diverse group of backs, something that Miami will boast again this upcoming season.
In short, I am confident the running game will once again be an efficient and explosive group, and pave the way for high levels of offensive success in 2025 (even if there’s a dip from being the best offense in the country).
The Starter
Mark Fletcher Jr.
A powerful 6’2” 225lbs, Fletcher Jr. steps into the lead back role for the Canes in 2025. He paired with Damien Martinez in 2024 to form one of the strongest RB duos in the country. Now, he moves into the lead role for the Canes rushing attack, and looks to take a step forward in his personal performance.
In 2024, Fletcher finished 18th in the ACC in rushing, with 607 yards on 112 carries (5.42 ypc) with 9 TDs in 13 games. That’s just under 9 carries and 47 yards per game as a rotational option as a sophomore.
Now moving into the lead role, Fletcher Jr. should be able to approach the 1,000 yards that Damien Martinez had in 2024 due to increased carries being paired with continued growth and development. Fletcher Jr. should be able to push for All-ACC accolades with a strong season, with plenty of highlights along the way.
The Homerun Hitter
Jordan Lyle
A 4-star recruit from St. Thomas Aquinas, Lyle burst onto the scene as a freshman for the Canes. He immediately worked his way into the rotation over other returning players, showing the ability to pass protect (essential for a RB), while also being an explosive runner with great vision, balance, and game-breaking speed.
Lyle had 400 yards on just 54 carries (7.41ypc) and 4 TDs on the year. Lyle set an all-time Miami record with a 91 yard TD run against USF. That shows the kind of explosiveness and speed he possesses, and Miami will benefit from those traits in 2025.
Though he didn’t show it often in 2024, Lyle has the ability to be an impact player in the passing game out of the backfield. I’m interested to see how he is used in this area of the game this season.
I would expect to see Lyle double his carries as a sophomore. That might see his yards per carry average dip a bit, but Lyle is the kind of back who can make a 1 yard gain turn into 6, 6 yards turn into 15, and 15 to turn into a long touchdown. With Fletcher Jr. as the “thunder” in Miami’s run game, Lyle looks to be the “lightning” as he steps into a much larger role in 2025.
New Faces
CharMar “Marty” Brown and Girard Pringle Jr.
With several departures from last year’s group, Miami added high caliber players to keep the RB room stacked with talent.
First up is CharMar “Marty” Brown. Playing at powerhouse FCS program North Dakota State, Brown redshirted in 2023 before immediately stepped into the starting lineup in 2024, and quickly became the focal point of the NDSU offense. Not only did Brown help NDSU to the FCS National Championship, he was 1st team All-American, and won the Jerry Rice Award as the best freshman in all of FCS football.
Brown posted 244 carries for 1,181 yards and 15 touchdowns for NDSU, and was the first RB for the Bison to eclipse 1,000 yards in nearly a decade. Brown had 4 100-yard games, and 2 others with 95+ yards as well.
A stout 5’11” 215lbs, the Omaha, NE native is yet-another strong, physical running back for the Canes. I would normally be hesitant to add an FCS player, but a player of Brown’s caliber and performance definitely fits on the Canes’ roster. He will battle for playing time, but his best days as a Cane are likely in the future.
As for Girard Pringle Jr., he’s the latest blue chip high school running back to sign with Miami. The Seffner (FL) Armwood star has incredible straight-line speed — he ran as fast as 10.56 in the 100M dash in HS — and elite production as well.
He’s a bit smaller than the other backs on the roster at 5’10” 182lbs, but his speed and ability to play in space make him a threat to score any time he gets his hands on the ball. You can check out his Recruiting Notebook from signing day for even more about Pringle Jr.
Even More Speed
Chris Wheatley-Humphrey
A redshirt sophomore, Wheatley-Humphrey is yet-another back with blazing speed who can score on any touch. The Hollywood (FL) South Broward alum averaged more than 10 yards per carry in HS, a testament to the fact that if you give him a crease, he’s GONE.
Nicknamed “Hellcat”, Wheatley-Humphrey looks to carve out a role for himself in Miami’s loaded backfield in 2025. He (and several others) was leapfrogged by Jordan Lyle last season, but with another year of development, he looks to take a step forward and get into the rotation.
I said last year that Miami had 5 starting caliber running backs (Martinez, Fletcher, Lyle, Ajay Allen and Chris Johnson Jr), and maybe that’s gone down to 4 this year. However, all 5 of the players on this list are capable of being solid-or-better players for the Canes.
Miami’s OL is among the best in the country, and the run game will be foundational to the success of this team. With the prodigious talent in the backfield, Miami should be able to run the ball well and often, something I’m sure Mario Cristobal will love to see in 2025.