All Hurricanes

Miami's Best Running Back Finally saw his Opportunity and Flourished

A talented group of running backs was highlighted by the dazzling speed and power of a freshman.
Justice Sandle|
Sep 7, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Jordan Lyle (21) reacts after running with the football against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Sep 7, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Jordan Lyle (21) reacts after running with the football against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

In this story:

Miami (FL) Hurricanes

No. 8 Miami has had plenty of great games for its running backs this season but the best came from freshman Jordan Lyle when he saw the chance to see the field against Wake Forest.

Lyle finished with seven carries for 115 yards and a touchdown. He also ran over several people en route to this star-making performance.

Lyle jumped off the screen every time he touched the ball against the Demon Deacons. The mixture of speed, power, and physicality that the Hurricanes have been missing from their backs all season.

This does not mean that Miami's running backs aren't great. Damien Martinez and Mark Fletcher Jr. have been a great dynamic duo this season and proved valuable in this game as well. However, they are more of a power back than the speedy power that the Hurricanes have needed out of the position all season.

Lyle gives the Hurricanes an extra dimension to the offensive game plan that is already hard to prepare for because of what Heisman contender Cam Ward is doing with the offense.

The star freshman not only proved vital for the future of the Canes, but he proved that he could be the now as well.

He was the highest-graded running back in college football this past weekend and if he gets the opportunity again, he could prove more than capable of exploding onto the scene in the College Football Playoff.

READ MORE FROM MIAMI HURRICANES ON SI:

Cam Ward Breaks the All Time Miami Hurricanes Single Season Passing Yard Record

Everything Miami's Mario Cristobal Said After Final Home Game of the Season

Miami Hurricanes Football Schedule, Results, Playoff Outlook

Follow all social media platforms to stay up to date with everything Miami Hurricanes related: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube

Published
Justice Sandle
JUSTICE SANDLE

Justice Sandle is a graduate of Mississippi State University earning a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Communications with a concentration in Print and Digital Journalism. During his time in Starkville, he spent a year as an intern working for Mississippi State On SI primarily covering basketball, football, baseball, and soccer while writing, recording, and creating multimedia stories during his tenor. Since graduating, he has assumed the role of lead staff writer for Miami Hurricanes On SI covering football, basketball, baseball, and all things Hurricanes related.

Home/Football