The Definition of Miami’s Transfer Portal Success: Francisco Mauigoa
The Miami Hurricanes did quite well with the 2023 Transfer Portal additions. Which players hit may or may not have been the same players that Canes fans expected.
There’s certainly one player that’s left no doubt, too. That would be Francisco Mauigoa. The middle linebacker continues to be a dominant force for the Canes. Check out what Pro Football Focus thinks of Mauigoa’s efforts:
Digging deeper beyond the overall PFF defensive run defense grade, here’s a game-by-game breakdown of Mauigoa’s stat sheet.
Miami of Ohio: 5 tackles, ½ tackle for loss
Texas A&M: 6 tackles
Bethune-Cookman: 4 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 forced fumble,
At Temple: 3 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass breakup
Georgia Tech: 4 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1 interception, and a quarterback hurry
At North Carolina: 6 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and a quarterback hurry
Clemson: 6 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and a quarterback hurry
Also of note, does anyone else realize that Mauigoa’s statistics – and his big-play production – are rising as the season progresses? Look at Mauigoa's last three contests.
Those totals include 1 interception, 16 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and 3 quarterback hurries.
Yes indeed, Miami’s defense is thriving with Mauigoa in the middle. That’s a good deal for the Canes because there’s not a lot of experience at the linebacker position. He’s arguably the best Transfer Portal addition Miami made this offseason.
Mauigoa is making plays in the traditional run game by making quality run-gap fits, getting into the backfield when blitzing, and he’s impactful in coverage as well.
Props to Mauigoa for coming into The U and not only earning a starting position but thriving as well. He’s one heck of a football player!
