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Mark Fletcher Jr.: Miami Hurricanes New Record Setter
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- Mark Fletcher Jr.: Miami Hurricanes New Record Setter
(Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images)
Chapel Hill (NC) – Not only did the No. 1 Miami Hurricanes beat UNC 38-35 for the first time at Chapel Hill since the 2017 college football season, plus end a five-game losing skid in the matchup, but star running back Mark Fletcher Jr. rewrote program history.
The 22-year-old led with three touchdowns, adding to a career total of 38. After Saturday night's win, Fletcher Jr. became the Hurricanes' new leader (rushing and receiving combined), surpassing Stephen McGuire and Edgerrin James, each with 35. It was a record that lasted since 1992.
"It's a blessing," Fletcher said. "I always wanted to be a Hurricane as a little boy."
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The Hurricanes needed this record-breaking performance, given the back-and-forths throughout the game.
Fletcher Jr.'s first trip to the end zone came on a shotgun no-huddle pass from quarterback Darian Mensah for 31 yards, the longest reception in the Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) native's collegiate career. It was a bubble screen, as tight ends Elija Lofton, Gavin Mueller, and Israel Briggs served as blockers to create space for him.
Although UNC linebacker Peyton Seelmann was the closest to potentially making the stop, Fletcher Jr. was too fast and avoided any contact. It was a much-needed response, following tight end Jelani Thurman's early second-quarter touchdown. Fletcher Jr.'s next two scores were short-yardage and from the ground. It resulted in tying with McGuire for the most rushing touchdowns in program history.
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The next one for the local star will have him standing alone at the very top.
Fletcher Jr. has played a tremendous role in the Hurricanes turnaround since Mario Cristobal took over as head coach. As a freshman and sophomore, he had productive seasons in a rotational role, but last year was when a statementwas made.
Although Jordan Lyle was initially the go-to running back option, injuries opened a gap for Fletcher Jr. to dash through. He capitalized with 1,192 rushing yards on 216 carries. Fletcher Jr. was monumental in the College Football Playoffs, including by scoring two touchdowns in the National Championship against Indiana. Despite the loss, he was arguably the Hurricanes' most impactful player.
Fletcher Jr. nearly played for Ohio State, coming from American Heritage Schools as a four-star top-10 running back recruit. He initially committed to the Buckeyes in early April of 2022, then took back the pledge in mid-November of that same year. Fletcher Jr. took an official visit with the Hurricanes in December, before Signing Day, and the rest is history still being written.
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This season will likely be the end of the star running back's tenure, as the 2027 NFL Draft calls. However, the focus remains in Coral Gables, as the biggest game on the regular-season schedule approaches: Notre Dame.
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