Miami’s Running Back Recruiting Has Earned an A+
Cover photo of Chris Wheatley-Humphrey; photo credit to Brian Smith
If a recruiting fan wants to truly dive into a top-notch two-year stretch of recruiting at any one given position, check out the Miami Hurricanes from their 2022 class and current 2023 commitments.
Here’s the breakdown, beginning with the 2023 haul.
Mark Fletcher
Mark Fletcher, Jr., 6-foot-1, 225 pounds, Lauderhill (Fla.) American Heritage
Power to grind out of the tough yards would be what many expect from Fletcher. That’s true. He’s also proven to be elusive, shown good vision, and has the hands to make over-the-shoulder catches.
In short, Fletcher has the abilities to be an every-down runner for the Canes and do even more when called upon to do so. He’s also a very smart young man that can adapt on the fly. Look for him to be a true asset as early as this upcoming season for the Canes.
Chris Johnson, 5-foot-11, 180 pounds, Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Dillard
Truly elite speed has made Johnson a threat to score anytime he touched the football. He won the 3M Florida 100 meters two years in a row, with 10.45 and 10.2 times respectively. That’s moving!
More importantly, he’s a running back that’s willing to run inside zone, power, toss sweep or any other running play. Johnson’s skills and fearless nature have earned him respect. Of course, whenever he’s covered by a linebacker or safety, that’s when Johnson can create chunk-yardage plays because of his speed out of the backfield, too.
Moving to the class of 2024, it’s another good one-two punch for the Canes.
Chris Wheatley-Humphrey
Chris Wheatley-Humphrey, 6-foot, 175 pounds, Dania Beach (Fla.) South Broward
Humphrey would be a player that can get on a track and compete with Johnson. Two of the fastest players in Florida, at running back, heading to play for the Canes from consecutive recruiting classes.
Much like Johnson, Wheatley-Humphrey has enjoyed running the football between the tackles. He has often hit the hole fast enough that he’s split the linebacker and safeties before it was too late for the defense to adjust. He’s also a natural receiver and has the hands to play slot, honestly.
Kevin Riley, 6-foot, 195 pounds, Northport (Ala.) Tuscaloosa County
Vision and cutback ability highlight Riley’s skills, but so does his natural forward lean and explosiveness. Overall, Riley has shown to be a natural running back and one that can be used in a variety of ways.
As a receiver, he’s shown the ability to quickly assimilate back into a runner and make defenders miss, then get back up to top speed and head for the end zone. Riley was a great pickup out of the state of Alabama.
In conclusion, the Hurricanes have helped to transform their running back room with two recruiting classes that possess the talent to complement each other well. It's amazing to look at what's ahead for The U. That's why Miami's running back recruiting deserves an A+.
The full 2023 Miami Hurricanes commitment list and prospect evaluations can be found right here, while the 2024 recruiting class profiles can be found here.
2024 Recruiting Rankings: Florida's Top 25 Prospects
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