Francis Mauigoa discusses possibility of starting as freshman
Miami true freshman offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa might be playing his way onto the starting offensive line for the Hurricanes come opening day. Mauigoa was already repping with the first team during spring.
“It’s an honor to run with the ones now,” Mauigoa said at an April media availability after a spring practice. “But it’s still spring so job ain’t secured yet. Still working to that level. But it’s a pleasure to be able to gain that trust from coach Mirabal, coach Cristobal and especially the offensive coordinator.”
Head coach Mario Cristobal is a former Miami offensive lineman himself and is trying to build back up the trenches in Coral Gables. Having Mauigoa on his roster can help him do that.
But Mauigoa continued to emphasize nothing is guaranteed and he is going to continue working hard and being coachable in hopes of earning a starting role.
“I tend to do whatever they want me to do,” Mauigoa said. “Whatever technique they want me to do or whatever position they want me to play in, I just tend to work at it trying to try to earn my spot. Right now everyone’s trying to earn their spot. Not really anything is secured yet.”
Charles Power thinks Francis Mauigoa will be a Day 1 starter
Francis Mauigoa enrolled at Miami as their highest-rated recruit. He was the No. 12 overall recruit and No. 2 offensive tackle in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking. The On3 Industry is a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four major recruiting media services. The On3 Industry Ranking is the most advanced, complete and unbiased rating and ranking measurement in the industry.
He was also one of 12 players to be a Five-Star Plus+ prospect.
On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power included Mauigoa in February as one of the true freshman he expects to make an early impact as a freshman.
“Based off what we’ve seen throughout the cycle, Francis Mauigoa looks like the most ready to play offensive lineman in 2023,” Power said. “That’s just what the doctor ordered for Miami as Mario Cristobal looks to build up his offensive line and establish a big, physical presence on offense. Mauigoa has the look of a foundational piece on the Hurricanes’ front and it would be an upset if he didn’t start as a true freshman.
“At 6-foot-5, 325-pounds, Mauigoa has readymade size. There’s little projection there. He’s also been honing his skills against top competition at IMG Academy for the past two years. Not only did Mauigoa face some top pass rushers on Friday nights, he went up against blue-chip talents at practice every day. Given his size, play strength, quickness and experience against top competition, Mauigoa is a safe bet to see the field when the Hurricanes kick off next fall.”