2017 Miami Hurricanes Player Breakdown: Mark Walton

Canes Warning is committed to breaking down the Miami Hurricanes roster for the upcoming 2017 season. Today we will look at star junior Running Back Mark Walton

The undoubted workhorse and focal point of the Miami offense is Hurricane Junior Running Back Mark Walton. Walton is a homegrown talent from Booker T. Washington in Miami, Florida.

The city of Miami has had a penchant for producing top level running backs and Walton fits the bill. The rising Junior took over the reigns from Joseph Yearby who declared for the NFL draft after falling to third string last season.

Walton has not disappointed since becoming the starter at the beginning of 2016 season. He appears to be following in the footsteps of another Miami legend Duke Johnson.

Number one on offense amassed 1,117 rushing yards and cashed in with 14 rushing touchdowns as the primary starter in 2016. Walton was also a formidable receiver out of the backfield compiling 27 receptions totaling 240 receiving yards.

Walton’s 1,117 Rushing yards ranks as the seventh-best single season total in Miami Hurricane history. Walton’s 14 rushing touchdowns during the 2016 campaign was tied for third best in Miami Hurricane history.

The talented running back’s four rushing touchdown virtuoso performance vs. FAU last season was the first by a Hurricane since Tyrone Moss in 2005. Walton has the statistical pedigree to springboard him as the ACC’s top running back next season.

The lead sled dog always has the best view. Walton is certainly the alpha of pack and heads up the Miami rushing attack. The obvious paramount issue is keeping Walton healthy this year.

Travis Homer has emerged as the number two running back behind Walton but enters the season with limited carries. The rising Sophomore had only seven carries for 44 yards in 2016. There simply is not any proven depth to absorb any injuries to the running back position this year.

Mark Richt seemed content to wrap Walton in bubble tape and just hand deliver him to the Miami’s opening game September 2nd vs. Bethune-Cookman. After the second spring game, Walton had only two carries, Walton’s competitive nature and frustration were on display.

I fully applaud Richt’s decision to limit Walton’s carries this spring. Walton’s 209 rushing attempts in 2016 could see an increase to Florida State’s Dalvin Cook 2016 total of 288.

It isn’t hard to hypothesize a scenario where Miami will lean on Walton similar to the way Jimbo Fisher leaned on Cook last season. Be patient Mark Walton, your touches are coming. Your success will ensue because of it.

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2017 Player Impact Rating: Mark Walton= 100%. No one means more to Miami roster than Walton. He is the one player you can ill afford to lose and the thought of it should keep Hurricane fans up at night.  The great news, however, Walton played every game last season and was unabated to injury.