Miami Secures Another 1,000-Yard Rusher Through Transfer Portal
The Miami Hurricanes have landed another major addition to their backfield, adding former North Dakota State standout CharMar Brown through the transfer portal. Brown, a powerful 1,000-yard rusher and the 2023 Jerry Rice Award winner (given to the top freshman in FCS football), is set to join a Miami backfield that already boasts recent success following the arrival of ex-Oregon State star Damien Martinez. Martinez led the team’s ground game last season, and now Brown is expected to provide a significant boost to a relatively inexperienced group of returnees.
Miami’s returning running backs – Mark Fletcher, Jordan Lyle, and Chris Wheatley-Humphrey – combined for only 167 carries in 2023. Brown, who rushed for 1,181 yards and scored 15 touchdowns last season, brings the kind of power and consistency that could elevate the Hurricanes’ run game. His physical style fits well with head coach Mario Cristobal’s downhill rushing philosophy, and at 5-foot-11 and 214 pounds, Brown is well-suited to thrive in Miami’s inside zone and gap schemes. Notably, he forced 51 missed tackles and racked up 758 yards after contact last year, all while not fumbling once during the season.
After entering the transfer portal two weeks ago, Brown was heavily linked to Cal, which lost four running backs and could have offered him a clear path to immediate playing time. However, he ultimately chose Miami, impressed by the Hurricanes’ offensive line and the opportunity to grow in a top-tier football program. “I just want to be developed at the highest level and showcase my talents,” Brown said. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska – just north of Lincoln – he also visited the Nebraska Cornhuskers before making his decision.
Brown sees himself as a player who can move the chains and make explosive plays, saying, “I feel I can be that guy to punish the defense, also make stuff happen… get first downs.” He arrives at Miami with three years of eligibility left and is expected to be a key part of the Hurricanes’ effort to strengthen their backfield depth. His arrival gives Miami another proven playmaker to pair with their existing young talent, as the team looks to build on its success in the run game.
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