As the Miami Hurricanes prepare for their showdown with Florida State, freshman phenom RB Mark Fletcher Jr. reflected on his journey and the significance of this storied rivalry.
"Growing up, watching Miami versus FSU was like a holiday at home," Fletcher Jr. reminisced during Tuesday's media availability. As a South Florida native, the enormity of the 'Canes and 'Noles clash was not lost on the young star. "It's a very big game... the biggest rivalry in college football, in my opinion," he stated, brimming with the anticipation of his first taste of the action on the field.
Fletcher Jr.'s journey to this point has been marked by hard work and resilience. Coming off his first start, the freshman shared his mindset, "It was a great opportunity, and I worked very hard for it." Despite the pressures of stepping onto such a large stage early in his college career, Fletcher Jr. is focused on growth, aiming to "keep on getting better."
The rivalry's significance extends beyond just the players and fans; it's a pivotal moment for recruiting as well. Fletcher Jr. pointed out the game's impact, especially with local talents: "It's either a two-way street: they want to go to FSU or Miami." His own decision to join Miami, even following a tough season, was motivated by a desire to elevate the team he's always loved, "I wanted to help them," he stated.
“FSU is a physical team; they have a good secondary, good front four. Yeah, they fly around, make plays, they [are] in the right spot, you know, veteran guys who know what they [are] doing. So, it's going to be a challenge against a great defense."
As the Hurricanes gear up for Saturday's game, Fletcher Jr. and his teammates have a chip on their shoulder, especially those who experienced last year's loss to FSU. "Nobody likes that," Fletcher Jr. said, acknowledging the lingering taste of defeat and the collective determination within the locker room to flip the script this year.
While Miami is coming off a recent tough loss against NC State, Fletcher Jr. conveyed the team's forward-looking attitude. "We're not really worried about the outside noise," he declared
Mark Fletcher Jr. and the Miami Hurricanes will face off against Florida State on Saturday at 3:30 PM on ABC.
