Mark Fletcher is a Miami Hurricanes signee in huge addition to class at major position of need

SIGNEES (with link to feature story on each): Francis Mauigoa … Damari Brown … Christopher Johnson … Antione Jackson … Collins Acheampong … Kaleb Spencer … Riley Williams … Samson Okunlola … Robby Washington … Bobby Washington … Rueben Bain … Mark Fletcher … Malik Bryant … Jackson Carver … Emory Williams … Antonio Tripp … Marcellius Pulliam … Jayden Wayne … Frankie Tinilau … Joshua Horton … Raul Aguirre … Robert Stafford … Tommy Kinsler … Ray Ray Joseph … Australian P Dylan Joyce

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It was all the way back in July of 2019 that Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage RB Mark Fletcher landed a Miami Hurricanes scholarship offer from the prior staff.

At that time little did he – or fans – know the twists and turns that would lie ahead in his recruitment.

Fletcher wound up committing to Ohio State over Miami April 12. He then backed off the commitment in mid-November after visiting Florida. At that point the Gators were considered the frontrunner.

But the hometown team never gave up.

And it was Miami that won out.

Fletcher visited officially over the weekend and was won over, announcing his commitment on Sunday night. Now he is confirmed signing with the Canes.

“I’d dreamed of playing for Miami ever since I was a baby,” Fletcher said. “I’m a real U fan, my whole family is UM fans.”

Fletcher points to how the Canes coaches never gave up on him even when it appeared he was pretty solid to Ohio State. He says coach Mario Cristobal would text him “a lot” with messages like “win the day” and that “he’s not giving up.”

“They’ve always been there; they never stop coming,” Fletcher said. “Even with a new staff, they’re just showing me that I’m a priority and they want me to bring ‘The U’ back.”

Fletcher was pursued during his recruitment by pretty much every top program in the nation.

But there were obvious pulls to Miami: The coaches, and the location.

“It’s my hometown,” he says.

Fletcher’s talent level is unquestioned, and he can compete to start right away at Miami given the results this past season and the returning position depth.

Fletcher’s high school coach, Mike Smith, has a particular comparison for Fletcher: NFL star Derrick Henry.

“The first person you want to go to is Derrick Henry because he’s a bigger, taller back,” Smith said. “He’s the kind of guy that has his own unique running style. This year (Fletcher’s) gotten a lot better with his lateral movement and his quickness there. That’s a big thing with him. He’s not like guys we’ve had in the past like Sony (Michel), but he’s taken over games like Sony has in the past. He’s changed a lot of his game this year to be faster, a little quicker, more agile. So he is a Derrick Henry to a certain extent. Maybe in that category a little bit.”

Smith also says Miami has a guy on board that can make an impact from Day 1.

“Absolutely, he’s an elite guy,’” Smith said. “We’ve had a bunch of running backs we put in the league. Running back, you either got it or you don’t. And you know right away putting on the film, `Okay, this guy can play.’ He’ll have to work on the other aspects of his game, knowing the playbook, pass blocking, but from a running standpoint he can step in Day 1 and be a contributor.”

Fletcher’s On3 scouting report reads “Big back who projects as a between the tackles power runner at the college level. Has a taller build and should top out north of 230 pounds after spending time in a college strength program. Plays for one of the top talent-producing programs in the state of Florida. Shows good feet with the ability to make defenders miss with lateral agility. Has some natural power and contact balance. Squares his shoulders and has the leg drive to run through arm tackles. Catches the ball well out of the backfield. Should be dangerous on the goal line. Will need to continue improving his top-end speed in order to rip off long runs once in the open field. Solid production, but lacks the high-end production profile of most top running back prospects heading into his senior season.”

The bottom line for Fletcher?

He says he sees the Canes “are changing The U up.”

“We are all family at The U,” he said.