Miami football gets commitment from PFF top 10 returning RB Damien Martinez

The Miami football program received a commitment from Oregon State transfer running back Damien Martinez on Saturday. Martinez is the 10th-best returning 2024 RB nationally by Pro Football Focus. Martinez becomes the projected starting RB for Miami entering the 2024 season.

Martinez was 19th nationally, averaging 98.75 rushing yards per game in 2023, finishing with 1,185 yards and nine touchdowns. Don't expect a lot from Martinez as a receiver. In two seasons with Oregon State, Martinez had 15 receptions for 127 yards and no TDs.

Martinez entered the transfer portal this spring after initially choosing to remain at Oregon State during the winter transfer portal window. Martinez visited Coral Gables this weekend after previously taking trips to Arizona and Mississippi State. Miami also had two in-home visits with Martinez.

There was also a visit to Kentucky that Martinez cancelled. Martinez is the most accomplished RB Miami will have since Duke Johnson set the Hurricanes' all-time rushing record in 2014. At 6'0 and 232 pounds, Martinez is a RB with the power for short yardage and speed to make big plays.

"10. DAMIEN MARTINEZ, OREGON STATE BEAVERS
Martinez has quietly been one of the most productive running backs in college football over his first two seasons. Since 2022, his 1,304 yards after contact are fourth among returning Power Five backs. In that same span, 68 of his carries have gone for 10-plus yards, trailing only Quinshon Judkins among Power Five rushers.

It should be noted that Oregon State led the Power Five in run-blocking grade this past season and was sixth in the FBS the year before, so Martinez has had the privilege of running through some massive holes."

- Max Chadwick, Pro Football Focus

Martinez showed off his explosiveness in 2023 with 39 carries for 10 or more yards, nine for 20 or more and four of 30 plus. Miami was 59th nationally in 2023 with 65 carries of 10 or more yards. The pairing of Cam Ward at quarterback and Martinez at RB should make Miami more explosive in 2024.

The addition of Martinez is critical for Miami with leading returning rusher Mark Fletcher not certain to begin the season with a Lisfranc foot injury. As expected under Mario Cristobal, Miami was relentless in its recruitment of Martinez. Martinez also provides a young Miami RB room with experience.