Oregon State transfer RB Damien Martinez has committed to Miami

Miami’s offense received a significant boost with the announcement that star Oregon State transfer running back Damien Martinez intends to join the Hurricanes. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 232 pounds, Martinez had a standout sophomore season for the Beavers, amassing 1,185 yards and nine touchdowns, earning him first-team All-Pac-12 honors.

During the spring, Martinez decided to explore transfer options and attracted interest from various programs, including Arizona, Tennessee, Mississippi State, and Kentucky. He visited Tucson and Starkville before concluding his campus visits with a trip to Coral Gables this past weekend.

Having spent time with running backs coach Matt Merritt and having met with him twice before the official visit, along with interactions with head coach Mario Cristobal and the rest of the Hurricanes staff, Martinez felt convinced that Miami was the ideal destination for him.

With Martinez joining the backfield, Miami’s running back unit now boasts one of the strongest in the ACC. As a junior, Martinez will lead a group that includes the promising rising sophomore Mark Fletcher, who, standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 225 pounds, showcased his talent by rushing for 514 yards and scoring five touchdowns as a true freshman last season.

The Hurricanes are eagerly anticipating the return of former Nebraska transfer Ajay Allen, who is now fully recovered from a lingering lower extremity injury that had been bothering him since his arrival at Miami last summer. Allen’s explosive playing style adds depth to the backfield. Additionally, true freshman Jordan Lyle is expected to make an impact upon his arrival this summer, while the development of Chris Johnson, known for his elite speed, and true freshman Chris Wheatley-Humphrey adds further depth to the running back group.

In 2023, Martinez ranked among the top 12 players in Power 5 football in several key metrics, including yards after contact, missed tackles forced, and runs of 15 yards or more. He demonstrated his ability to break tackles and produce explosive plays consistently. Martinez recorded six games with over 100 rushing yards, including an impressive performance against No. 5 Washington where he amassed 123 yards on 26 carries and scored two touchdowns.

During the previous season, Martinez showcased his toughness by averaging 3.84 yards after contact and forcing 57 missed tackles.

Martinez’s commitment marks the addition of another high-caliber transfer prospect to Miami’s roster. He joins a notable group of transfers that includes former Washington State quarterback Cam Ward, Washington safety Mishael Powell, and Middle Tennessee State defensive tackle Marley Cook.

According to 247Sports, Martinez is ranked as the No. 33 overall player and the No. 2 running back in the class, highlighting his impressive talent and potential impact on the Hurricanes’ lineup.