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Mark Fletcher Jr. is one of the Miami football team’s most impactful players. The running back has been an absolute horse during the Hurricanes’ run to the national championship game.
Fletcher always has at least one fan in the stands, even for road contests. His mother, Linda, drives to every game no matter the location.
The tailback opened up on that support this postseason. “She loves it, she really loves it,” he said after a recent trip to College Station, Texas.
He further spoke on it with Kirk Herbstreit and Joey Galloway on the Nonstop podcast.
Mark Fletcher’s mom has driven an insane number of miles.
She made the road trip to Cal last season. The running back says that’s the longest of his college football career. This year, though, she came close to matching it.
Miami only had four road games during the regular season, with one being at Florida State. The longest was a trip to SMU.
In total, Linda Fletcher drove around 7,500 miles round trip for the Hurricanes‘ away games.
The postseason has been much more daunting. Miami has played football games in Texas (twice) and Arizona. Those three drives have totaled just under 10,000 miles round trip.
That puts Fletcher’s season-long log at more than 17,000 miles.
Mark Fletcher’s mom does not like flying. She’s been offered plane tickets for road games. In each case, she’s politely declined.
“I’ve tried everything,” the tailback said. “She doesn’t budge… she says she just really loves doing it. I support it… She sends me pictures. She’s sightseeing… She’ll drive anywhere.”
@jacksongroff #Miami RB Mark Fletcher Jr’s mom DRIVES to EVERY game because she’s scared of flying. Miami is one game away from the natty which is in MIAMI👀🏆 #collegefootball #cfp #miamihurricanes #cfbplayoff
Linda Fletcher doesn’t have to drive far for the final game.
The national championship will be played in Miami. It’s another home game for the Hurricanes.
That’s just a 30-minute ride from Fort Lauderdale where she can watch her son play his final contest of the season. No matter the result, Mark Fletcher can hang his hat on a monster year.
The running back has rushed for 1,080 yards and 10 touchdowns across 13 games. He’s saved his best for last.
In the College Football Playoff, he’s averaging 132 yards per game on the ground. That includes a 172-yard performance against Texas A&M and a 133-yard day vs. Ole Miss.
He’s also scored three times, all of which came in a win over Ohio State.
Fletcher will look to close out the season with another strong game. His mom will make the short trip to root him on in Miami.