Damien Martinez, who transferred from Oregon State to Miami this spring, has been recognized by 247Sports on their “College Football All-Transfer Team: Highest-Rated Players at Each Position Ahead of 2024 Season.” Martinez, along with Quinshon Judkins who moved from Mississippi to Ohio State, is among the top-rated transfer running backs for 2024.
Martinez is expected to be Miami’s starting running back for the 2024 season. Miami’s running back lineup looks strong with Ajay Allen, Mark Fletcher, and Martinez. Fletcher is projected as the second-team RB, while Allen is anticipated to get the third most carries.
In his career at Oregon State, Martinez ran for 2,167 yards and 16 touchdowns and caught 15 passes for 187 yards. He was named the 2022 Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year and made first-team All-Conference for the past two seasons. Martinez is likely to compete for first-team All-ACC honors in 2024.
Initially, Martinez planned to stay at Oregon State after the 2023 season but entered the transfer portal this spring. Oregon State was not included in the Power Conference realignment in 2023, and their head coach, Jonathan Smith, was hired by Michigan State.
Martinez’s addition should boost Miami’s ground game in 2024. Last season, Martinez ranked 14th nationally with 39 runs of 10 yards or more. In contrast, Miami ranked 59th with 65 such runs. Martinez is expected to significantly enhance Miami’s offensive dynamism next season.
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