Miami’s backfield was their best unit this season.
Overall, the 2024 college football season was a disappointment for the Miami Hurricanes. They missed out on the College Football Playoff despite having a more-than-manageable schedule. Miami’s offense was never the issue, as they were ranked number one in the country for the entire season. The best unit on the best offense in the country was the running back room. Damien Martinez and Mark Fletcher Jr. led the way, with Jordan Lyle, Chris Johnson Jr., and Ajay Allen backing them up. Let’s get to some numbers and highlights!
Damien Martinez – 13 games, 159 rushing attempts, 1,002 yards, 6.3 yards per rush, 10 TDs
The transfer from Oregon State made his presence known immediately with some tough, physical runs against the Florida Gators in Week 1. Martinez got better as the season went along, finishing with his second 1,000 yard season in a row.
Best game: Pop-Tarts Bowl – 14 rushes for 179 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown run.
Highlight play: Martinez had several runs where he plowed over defenders (they are featured in the below video). That said, I am going to go with a reception for his highlight play. Martinez made a massive 22-yard catch and run on a third-and-20 before Miami scored their go-ahead touchdown to cap off their incredible comeback at Cal. That play was HUGE.
Mark Fletcher Jr. – 13 games, 112 rushing attempts, 607 yards, 5.4 yards per rush, 9 TDs
The true sophomore was a consistent presence this season. Fletcher helped recruit Damien Martinez to Miami. That showed Fletcher’s commitment to winning over individual stats as well as his confidence in knowing he would still get touches despite a skilled player joining the position group.
Best game: at Cal – 11 rushes for 81 yards and a touchdown.
Highlight play: Fletcher’s second quarter 10-yard touchdown run in The Swamp. I was there and it was awesome. Fletcher showed great vision on the play. It put Miami up 17-3 and demoralized the Gator fans. Fletcher couldn’t have asked for a better place to score his first touchdown of the season.
Jordan Lyle – 11 games, 54 rushing attempts, 400 yards, 7.4 yards per rush, 4 TDs
The highly-touted freshman had some impressive runs this season. Lyle set a school record with his 91-yard touchdown scamper at USF. He then scored on a 61-yard run late in the season against Wake Forest. Lyle’s big play ability gave him two 100-yard games on the season, which was two more than Fletcher.
Best game: vs Wake Forest – 7 rushes for 115 yards and a touchdown.
Highlight play: Lyle’s aforementioned 91-yard touchdown run to cap off a dominant road win at USF. What a play.
Ajay Allen and Chris Johnson Jr. produced some nice plays this past season. Allen had some big runs against Louisville. Johnson caught a couple touchdowns on swing passes against FAMU and Ball State. Both players will be moving on to new schools for 2025. Best of luck to them.
I know this is a 2024 season article, but Canes fans should be excited for the thunder and lightning duo of Fletcher and Lyle for next year. I know I am.
GO CANES!