Mario Cristobal coy about why Ajay Allen out versus Temple

Redshirt freshman running back Ajay Allen was tied with Henry Parrish for the most carries on the Miami football team with 26 after three weeks. When asked why Allen didn’t play on Saturday versus Temple head coach Mario Cristobal coyly answered “The carries went to who they went to today.”

Mario Cristobal added that Allen “is a really good football player.” Allen transferred to Miami from Nebraska during the 2023 offseason. After four games, Allen is now third on Miami with 26 carries, 137 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Parrish leads Miami with 42 carries for 331 rushing yards and six TDs.

Don Chaney Jr. passed Parrish for second on Miami with 27 carries for 183 yards this season. Chaney received the start versus Temple and had nine carries for 61 yards. True freshman Mark Fletcher returned after missing the Bethune-Cookman game and had 11 carries for 54 yards against Temple.

There has been a lot of speculation on social media and reporters who cover the Miami football team on why Allen was out. With Miami off until October 7 versus Georgia Tech expect the speculation about Allen to continue. The metrics for Allen from Pro Football Focus have been solid through three games.

David Lake of Inside the U reported that Allen is averaging 3.04 yards after contact and forced six missed tackles this season. Lake stated Allen “needs to take the next step with handling his business on and off the field.” No further explanation about why Allen didn’t play versus Temple was mentioned.

The Miami RB room has evolved throughout the first four games. Parrish has separated himself as the first-team RB. Chaney and Fletcher appear to be sharing the second-team carries. Allen will potentially compete with redshirt freshman Tre’Vonte Citizen later in the season for carries behind Chaney, Fletcher and Parrish.

Citizen was a highly touted late signee with Miami in the 2022 class. After sustaining a serious knee injury in training camp in 2022, Citizen missed the entire season. Citizen has not taken a snap during his Miami career. Citizen stated in July he is optimistic about making his Miami debut this season.