Damien Martinez Jr. Commits to the Miami Hurricanes Via the Transfer Portal

© Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports

Damien Martinez listed his name in the transfer portal on April 9th, 2024, and in less than a month has found a new home in Miami Florida. Martinez will have two seasons of eligibility under Coach Mario Cristobal and The Hurricanes.

Who Is Damien Martinez Jr?

Damien Martinez Jr. is a sophomore running back leaving Oregon State. In his previous two seasons, he has nearly rushed for 1,000 yards in both seasons, as a Beaver falling just short his freshman season with 982 yards.

In high school, he went to Lewisville High School in Texas where he played football and ran track in which he clocked in an 11.37-second 100-meter dash.

At 6-foot and 237 pounds, a four-star running back, Damien Martinez Jr. committed to Oregon State over Georgia Tech and Kansas as The Beavers were one of only three Power Four programs to offer. It's looking very apparent that the recruiting websites missed badly with this stud.

What Impact Does This Bring The Hurricanes

Miami has lost four running backs in this transfer class while only bringing in Damien Martinez Jr. to replace that production. Prior to this transfer, Mark Fletcher Jr. was listed as the projected starter for the 2024 season, this is a young sophomore who only recorded 514 total rushing yards last season as he split carries with both Henry Parrish Jr. and Donald Chaney Jr.

Damien Martinez Jr. comes in, to be the star premier back who can handle the excessive workload that is carrying this young running back room.

Scouting Damien Martinez Jr.

Martinez Jr. can do everything asked for a running back in today's game. He has the patience to allow his offensive line to open up their gaps, he has the speed to blow through them and can meet a linebacker in the hole and flatten the defender. He also gives incoming transfer quarterback Cam Ward a reliable checkdown option in the passing game.

With the speed he has, he can outrun most linebackers but isn't built to outrun the speedy secondary. This is where his 232-pound frame comes in handy as it is difficult for the smaller defenders to bring him down as he runs with a ton of power behind his pads.