Greg McElroy labels Damien Martinez as a 'punishing running back'

Damien Martinez is taking his talents to South Beach after transferring from Oregon State to Miami this offseason. He should be just as impactful with his new team as his old one, though, with his status as a Top-10 running back according to ESPN’s Greg McElroy.

During a recent episode of ‘Always College Football’, McElroy listed Martinez as the No. 7 back in all of college football. He did so because of the statistics he put up over two seasons in Corvallis, whether he rushed through and past defenders or if he was breaking loose for big gains.

“He’s a punishing running back. Just an extremely punishing running back that had 1,300-plus yards after contact in 2022 and 2023,” McElroy said. “He also has a bunch of big carries as well. Only Quinshon Judkins has more 10-yard plus carries in the sport these last couple years.”

Martinez left the Beavers after rushing for 2,167 yards and 16 touchdowns on 355 carries so far in his career. That averaged out to 6.1 yards per carry and at just over 85 yards per game on the ground. That made him a highly recognized back, including being a two-time All Pac-12 First Team selection. Those were also good for team leads in rushing, especially this past season as a sophomore.

In 2023, Martinez posted 1,185 yards and nine scores off of his 194 carries. The yardage was Top-25 in the nation and was second in the league only to Washington’s Dillon Johnson.

While many wanted to see him return under a new head coach in Trent Bray, Martinez decided to enter the transfer portal early in April. Several schools became suitors for the No. 18 overall transfer and No. 2 RB in the portal per On3’s 2024 Transfer Portal Top Players. However, in the end of his recruitment, he committed to the Hurricanes. He’ll now be one of 14 transfers for a class at Miami that ranks in the Top-20. That includes being one of two additions that are among the best in the country along with QB Cam Ward.

Martinez posted big-time numbers as an underclassman over the last two years. Now, as he arrives in Coral Gables, more of the same or better could be coming from on the ground as a key piece for the Hurrricane offense.

“Damien Martinez? Now with a new offense with Shannon Dawson calling the plays there, Cam Ward at quarterback? He could be poised for a really nice season,” said McElroy.