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Freshman running back sensation Mark Fletcher Jr. shared insights on his anticipated scrimmage debut and his early time as a Hurricane during media availability on Monday.
Playing in front of a home crowd at the Hard Rock Stadium, Fletcher couldn’t contain his enthusiasm, stating, "Playing in my hometown, I was just excited. Playing in the Hard Rock instead of watching in the stands—it was great energy, and I'm just happy to be a part of it."
Recalling his first touchdown, Fletcher Jr. was quick to credit his teammates, explaining that the opening provided by the offensive line was so wide that "anybody could have scored." The humbleness is a trait he seems to carry with pride, always emphasizing team over individual achievements.
As for his early days at college camp, the rookie acknowledged a steep learning curve, particularly when it came to pass protection. “For a running back, that's been the most challenging thing," he said. Nevertheless, his drive to excel is evident, as he found the process of learning plays not "too hard" but more about "stacking days."
His second touchdown of the game showcased his agility and power. With just one person to beat, he "saw the end zone and had to make it,” when describing his broken tackle en route to scoring. When asked about the significance of the scrimmage at the Hard Rock, Fletcher Jr. nodded towards the inherent jitters that come with being a freshman. Still, he maintained, "At the end of the day, it's football."
Those who've followed Fletcher Jr.'s high school career won't be surprised by his ability to break tackles at the college level. While he acknowledges that college linebackers are a step above their high school counterparts, Fletcher remains confident in his ability to break free, giving opponents "a little shake."
And speaking of the offensive setup, Fletcher Jr. had high praise for Shannon Dawson. While the offense might be described as an “Air Raid” system, the coaches emphasize the importance of the ground game. “We don’t start anything without running the ball,” he noted, showing his approval of the team's offensive philosophy.
QB Tyler Van Dyke was also on the receiving end of Fletcher's admiration. "He's a gamer; he's a real leader," Mark said, emphasizing Van Dyke’s role both on and off the field.
With a robust weight of around 227-230 lbs, Fletcher Jr. is not yet sure about his speed metrics on GPS. But one thing is clear: coaches expect him to dominate in the red zone. “When I'm in the Red Zone, I have to score," he said, reinforcing his role as a pivotal player in those crucial game moments.
Fletcher Jr. ended the session with a description of himself as a "power back who could do it all." Whether it's running past an opponent, running through them, or catching the ball, Mark Fletcher Jr. is here to make a statement, and if his recent performance is anything to go by, the future looks promising.
