Miami football continues hot on recruiting trail with Mark Fletcher commit

The Miami football program continued its scorching week on the recruiting trail with a commitment from four-star running back Mark Fletcher on Sunday night. Fletcher is the 243rd-ranked prospect, 15th RB and 48th recruit in Florida in the class of 2023 out of American Heritage.

Fletcher is the fifth Miami commit in the last week. Miami also received commitments from four-star prospects, RB Chris Johnson, last Sunday and defensive lineman Rueben Bain on Wednesday followed by offensive lineman Samson Okunlola on Thursday followed by a commitment from offensive lineman Javion Cohen on Sunday.

Mario Cristobal and his staff did an exceptional job closing with Fletcher. Previously committed to Ohio State, recent 247 Sports crystal balls projected Fletcher would commit to Florida. The 2023 Miami recruiting class remains fourth nationally behind Alabama. Georgia and Texas after the commitment from Fletcher.

Fletcher is the 14th-rated player in the 2023 Miami recruiting class and fifth highest on offense. During his career at American Heritage, Fletcher ran for 4,443 yards, averaged 7.7 yards per carry, had 23 100-yard games and scored 49 touchdowns. Fletcher had his best season as a senior with 1,934 yards and 23 TDs.

Running backs coach Kevin Smith was the primary recruiter for Fletcher as Mario Cristobal and the Miami football staff continue to show they are elite at closing late on recruits. Expect a few more commits this week from Miami from high school recruits and through the transfer portal. Miami could finish with a top-five class.

Miami has 292.08 recruiting points on 247 Sports. Texas is slightly ahead of Miami with 294.53. LSU has 288.64 points in fifth place. At 6’1, 225 pounds, Fletcher will balance the speedy Johnson in the backfield. After not having a RB committed throughout most of the 2023 recruiting cycle, Miami has its backfield of the future.

The additions of Fletcher and Johnson were critical. Miami only had 2022 signee Tre’Vonte Citizen who has freshman eligibility after missing the entire 2022 season, fourth-year rising sophomore Don Chaney Jr. and Henry Parrish who led Miami in rushing in 2022 returning on the 2023 roster at RB.