Arizona is out of the Damien Martinez sweepstakes.Β
The former Oregon State star running back, who took an official visit to the UA last week, announced on Saturday that he's committed to the Miami Hurricanes. Martinez pledged to Miami over Arizona and Mississippi State.Β
Martinez had 355 carries for 2,167 yards and 16 touchdowns in the last two seasons for the Beavers; he averaged 6.1 yards per carry. The 6-0, 232-pound Martinez was a two-time All-Pac-12 selection and a Doak Walker Award semifinalist at OSU.
With Martinez going to Miami and New Mexico transfer Jacory Croskey-Merritt signing with Ole Miss instead of Arizona, the Wildcats running backs include third-year slasher Rayshon "Speedy" Luke, San Jose State transfer Quali Conley, redshirt freshman Brandon Johnson and walk-on and Tucson native Anthony Wilhite. Early enrollee Jordan Washington, a four-star running back in the 2024 recruiting class, entered the transfer portal and will likely follow former head coach Jedd Fisch and running backs coach Scottie Graham to Washington.
With more than a dozen scholarship spots open, the Wildcats will most likely add another running back to their rotation for the 2024 season.Β Β
