Countdown to Canes Football: No. 17 Francis Mauigoa
In this story:
The Miami Hurricanes needed an influx of talent along the offensive line. Today’s Countdown to Canes Football player certainly brings different kinds of tools to help Miami get back on track along the offensive line.
Here are the prior Countdown to Canes Football members, followed by today’s player.
#25 - Cam McCormick
#24 - Javion Cohen
#23 - Jacolby George
#22 - Rueben Bain, Jr.
#21 - Jalen Rivers
#20 - Ahmad Moten
#19 - Francisco Mauigoa
#18 - Te’Cory Couch
Francis Mauigoa
Size
: 6-5, 325 pounds
Class
: Freshman
Position
: Offensive Line
Background and Recruitment
The younger brother of Francisco Mauigoa, the larger Mauigoa has shown a drive and determination, to go along with tremendous size and athleticism, that helped him to be recruited by the nation’s elite college football programs.
In the end, he took official visits to Miami, Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, and Southern California. Then, he decided to be a Hurricane. His recruiting rankings also mirrored those offers and official visits. Of note, it’s rare for each of the four primary recruiting outlets to rank a prospect inside their respective top 20 lists.
Rankings in order of national, position and then state
On3
: 19, 3, and 4
Rivals
: 17, 2, and 7
ESPN
: 6, 1, and 1
247
: 6, 2, and 2
Why Pick a Freshman for Countdown to Canes Football?
Legit question. And here’s my own personal answer. I got to know Mauigoa well while covering him at IMG Academy. He’s not your normal guy physically. Let’s start with that. When shaking this young man’s hand, a “normal” human being will often lose sight of his or her own hand.
He’s massive! When Mauigoa wanted to move another human being against his will, that’s something he was able to do far more often than not despite IMG Academy playing really good competition.
That point aside, he’s also nimble as can be. In time, I personally believe Mauigoa could play left tackle. It’s rare for a player that’s 325 pounds to be fleet of foot like he has shown to be. That’s where the fun began for me as I watched him workout during several events and games.
His kick step was vastly improved by the end of his senior season compared to his junior year. Much less wasted motion; more efficient. That’s a big reason why he was starting at right tackle for the Canes this past spring.
He could also reach the perimeter during an outside zone, screen or other outside play. Mauigoa looked natural while doing it as well.
Mauigoa came to Coral Gables as a power player. That was a given. He also showed up to Miami as a prospect that’s taken to his craft and has already begun the process of at least starting to become a technician, in conjunction with all that power and athleticism. There’s a long way to go, but the signs have already started to show he could battle with players that understood how to use various pass rush moves.
Position Flexibility
Miami’s offensive line depth chart was shredded by injuries last fall. It was difficult to watch at times. Mauigoa can help shore up future injury concerns because he’s a big-time talent and also a versatile player.
If needed, head coach Mario Cristobal and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal could move the big fella inside and allow him to play offensive guard, just as one example. Mauigoa’s attitude will enable him to adjust without hesitation.
2023 Projection
Mauigoa could start at right tackle. He could end up moving around a bit, too. That’s the beauty of him coming in as a spring enrollee. He wanted to get a head start on his process of being a Miami Hurricane and that’s what he did. He’s now familiar enough with the system that there will be more options.
He played well in the spring game, as a final note about spring ball. Do not be surprised if he’s a key cog on this year’s team. Mauigoa has the right attitude and he’s a special talent.
2024 Recruiting Rankings: Florida's Top 25 Prospects
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