Miami Hurricanes' Mark Fletcher, Jr. has an eyebrow-raising response to question about comparison between Carson Beck and Cam Ward after win over South Florida

The Miami Hurricanes have gotten some tremendous quarterback play over the last calendar year in Coral Gables. Miami was led last year by Heisman Trophy finalist Cam Ward, who shattered school records and engineered arguably the greatest offense the program had ever seen.

Enter Carson Beck this offseason from Georgia. Beck came in dealing with elbow surgery and questions from some after a relative down year in 2024 with the Bulldogs - who still won the SEC championship, by the way.

Well, Beck has quickly reminded everyone that he's still one of the top quarterbacks in the nation with a hot start for the Hurricanes in 2025. And in case anyone else needed a reminder, Miami RB Mark Fletcher, Jr. had an interesting take when asked about the difference between Beck and Ward after the Canes' 49-12 win over South Florida (final comment in the postgame video).

Miami RB Mark Fletcher, Jr. said the only difference between Carson Beck and Cam Ward "is the skin color"

"I'm not even trying to be funny when I say this, but I think the only difference between them is the skin color," Fletcher, Jr. said with a grin and a chuckle. "I'm not even trying to be funny, but they're both alphas. They're both alphas. They're both leaders. Very high IQ of football, and they get guys the football. We've been blessed to have two great quarterbacks come into this program."

The point that Fletcher, Jr., who led Miami on Saturday with 16 carries for 120 yards and 2 touchdowns, is trying to make is a fair one. Both men have looked the part of Heisman Trophy candidates, and both are clearly intense competitors who carry different dispositions on the field. Ward was a calm, relaxed presence who had a level of confidence about him that came out from time to time, such as when he pointed to where Miami was going to run the ball against South Florida last season before Miami ran the ball there for a touchdown. He had a level of swagger to be sure.

Beck has that same alpha mentality that you see, and the confidence is there already. You can see that after he makes a big play, which he did several times on Saturday against USF. You could see it after the win against Notre Dame. And clearly the roster has bought in on Beck and is following his lead with a terrific start to the season.

Miami looks like one of the very best teams in the country in the early part of the 2025 season. And it looks like they have another special signal caller ready to lead them further than they went last year.