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Miami's first 1000 Yard Rusher Since 2016 Declares For NFL Draft

The former Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year has declared for the NFL Draft after a great season for the Hurricanes.
Justice Sandle|
Dec 28, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Damien Martinez (6) runs for a touchdown against the Iowa State Cyclones in the first quarter during the Pop Tarts bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Dec 28, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Damien Martinez (6) runs for a touchdown against the Iowa State Cyclones in the first quarter during the Pop Tarts bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

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Miami (FL) Hurricanes

 Miami's star running back Damien Martinez will enter the 2025 NFL Draft, he announced on his X late Monday afternoon. Martinez spent one season with the Hurricanes after transferring from Oregon State.

The running back went on to rush for 1,002 yards and 10 touchdowns in his lone season at Miami. He will now look to find his fit at the next level and carry over that success into the NFL. He is a hard-hitting back who has great patience and timely runs.

Dec 28, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Damien Martinez (6) runs the back against the Iowa State Cyclon
Dec 28, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Damien Martinez (6) runs the back against the Iowa State Cyclones during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images | Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

It was highlighted even more in his final collegiate game with the Hurricanes. Martinez turned in the Canes’ best postseason rushing performance in decades, gashing ISU’s defense for a career-high 179 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown run. Backfield mate Mark Fletcher, Jr. added 62 yards and one score. The Canes racked up 308 yards on the ground.

The last 150 yard rusher in the Pop-Tart's Bowl was Baylor's Devin Chafin in 2015.

Martinez will be a great power back for any roster in the NFL. He has nearly rushed for over 3000 yards in his career and 1000 yards for nearly every single season at this level. He will transition well into being a pro as he looks to take the next set in his craft.

READ MORE FROM MIAMI HURRICANES ON SI:

The Hurricanes Squander The Final Game of the Season Away, Failing to Crush Iowa State

The Cam Ward Era is Over for Miami, but will Never be Forgotten

Ward and George Opt Out at Halftime, Quit on Their Team

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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.

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