Allen, Fletcher Among Standout Running Backs at CanesFest Scrimmage

Miami’s versatile group of running backs showed promise during Saturday’s CanesFest scrimmage. Nebraska transfer Ajay Allen spearheaded this impressive showing from the unit.

Allen, who worked with both the first and second teams, had several chunk runs of 15 yards or greater, including a carry that went for at least 45 yards. His blend of speed, shiftiness and vision was on full display, leading to over 100 rushing yards during the scrimmage.

“I mean, it felt great,” Allen told reporters on Monday about his performance. “I ran these plays in high school, and I think I can make big plays here running this kind of offense.”

Allen wasn’t Miami’s only running back that excelled, as freshman Mark Fletcher Jr. displayed some of the power and ability to fight through contact that made him a coveted recruit in the 2023 recruiting cycle.

Fletcher ran for two touchdowns and worked with the first, second and third teams. This was also an opportunity for the South Florida native to play at Hard Rock Stadium, a venue that he grew up visiting.

“[There] was just good energy out there, playing in my hometown,” Fletcher said. “I was just excited, just actually playing in the Hard Rock instead of watching in the stands.”

Veteran offensive lineman Jalen Rivers complimented both Allen and Fletcher to UM media members and pointed out their differences in play style.

“Ajay, he’s very twitchy. Of course, he’s not as big as Mark, obviously, but the advantage is he’s very slippery too and he’ll get on the edge, and he’s very fast,” Rivers said. “And Mark, he’s very powerful too … He’ll get off tackles really quickly and get them yards, and he’s very adamant on getting every yard.”

Henry Parrish Jr., working with the first team, and Don Chaney Jr., working with the second and third teams, also had solid runs.

Adding freshman Christopher Johnson Jr. to the mix, the Hurricanes have solid depth at the running-back position heading into the 2023 season.

“The competition is deep, Parrish said. “Everybody came in ready to work, had that urgency, just everybody’s willing to get better.”

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