DEAL AGREED: Miami Football Are Reportedly on The Verge Of Signing 2023 MAC Offensive Player Of The Year – Mario Cristobal Deal is Imminent

The Miami football program has made contact with former Toledo running back Peny Boone, the 2023 MAC Offensive Player of the Year. Boone transferred to Louisville in January, where he spent spring practice until reentering the transfer portal earlier this week.

Miami is anticipated to sign a transfer running back, with projected starter Mark Fletcher sidelined for the start of the season due to a Lisfranc injury. Miami is seen as the front-runner for Oregon State standout running back Damien Martinez. Miami is short on running backs after losing Tre’Vonte Citizen and Henry Parrish to transfers this week.

Aside from Fletcher, Ajay Allen is Miami’s only other running back with substantial playing time. Miami also lost Don Chaney Jr. to Louisville following the 2023 season. Chris Johnson, who redshirted in 2023, returns to Miami as a running back. Miami signed running backs Jordan Lyle and Chris Wheatley-Humphrey in the 2024 class.

In his second season with Toledo, Boone rushed for 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns while also making 15 receptions for 219 yards and another score. Maryland signed Boone as a four-signee in the 2020 class, ranking him as the 359th prospect, 25th running back, and 10th recruit in Michigan out of Detroit Martin Luther King.
Boone rushed for 258 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games across two seasons at Maryland. Boone, who stands 6’1 and weighs 242 pounds, is the type of big back that Mario Cristobal often covets. Fletcher, who stands 6’2 and weighs 225 pounds, is currently Miami’s biggest running back. Martinez is 6’0 and weighs 232 pounds.

Kevin Beard, Miami’s wide receivers coach, was on Toledo’s staff in 2022, Boone’s first season with the Rockets. Miami’s engagement with Boone could be determined by Martinez’s choice. To compensate for Fletcher’s injury, the Hurricanes could sign two experienced transfer running backs.

Allen and Fletcher both missed spring practice due to injuries. Allen will allegedly be ready for training camp in August. Miami enters post-spring practice with uncertainty at RB due to injury. Allen is anticipated to play a big role, while Lyle has the potential to make an impact as a freshman. The next few weeks will be key for Miami at running back.