Nino Francavilla Brings Talent and Inspiring Play to Miami Hurricanes
Coming from Canada, the latest Miami Hurricanes commitment is a prospect that has yet to receive his just due from the recruiting services. The truth? He’s a really good player and one that deserves respect.
Nino Francavilla
@NinoFrancavill1
Nino Francavilla
Size: 6-foot-3, 295 pounds
Position: Center
High School: Toronto (Canada) / Cheshire (Conn.) Cheshire Academy
Recruitment
With a change from Harvard to Miami, Francavilla will represent The U. He’s obviously a high academic young man with several Ivy League offers. Once his film circulates, expect Francavilla to earn more Power 5 offers, too.
Here's a video from his time working out at the University of Miami. This is when offensive line coach Alex Mirabal gains an opportunity to work this young talent one-on-one. It eventually led to the offer and subsequent verbal commitment.
Frame
Built like a traditional center. Francavilla has a thick trunk, plus a lower half that matches. He’s not going to gain much weight after enrolling at the University of Miami, nor will the need to do so present itself. He’s going to be in the 305 to 310 range and be just fine.
Strength training will change him a bit. Francavilla’s overall build does not need an overhaul, however.
Athleticism
First-step quickness stands out. Snaps the football and explodes towards his intended target; often strikes with quick hands prior to the opponent being prepared. Low base out of his stance. Flexible for his size and position.
That flexibility provides reason for why Francavilla routinely engages a defensive lineman, completes his block by pushing that defender towards an intended direction, and then immediately moving to the second level and finding another player to block, and doing so without losing balance.
For a player that’s as big as Francavilla, his consistent stability after being engaged gives credit to the coaching he’s received thus far. It's also a sign that he's worked hard towards strengthening his core and overall body.
Timing and Technique
Digging deeper into the technical aspects of him moving up to the second level, Francavilla does not waste time. In fact, Francavilla will bombard opposing linebackers with his quick steps towards the second level. Then, the quickness with which he places his hands on the defenders chest area is impressive.
Keep in mind, he's finishing this sequence with force; that initial power allows Francavilla to move defenders where he desires. Knees bent, a forward lean – yet not overextended – that helps his churning feet to push the opposition backwards.
Out of all his athletic exploits, the most surprising item to note would be how well he times the extensions of his hands to maximize impact. Francavilla shocks defenders with quickness and speed as much as power and being a brute.
Naturally Competitive
All of Francavilla’s athletic and technical exploits would be reduced if not for how hard this young man grinds. More players should take notes on Francavilla’s attitude.
High energy – seemingly during every rep – makes him a fun player to watch; it’s also a prominent reason that Francavilla finishes blocks with ferocity. Even when he quickly disposes of an opposing player, he’s off to seek out another block. That deserves applause!
Overall, this young man embodies a player that can one day be a captain for the Hurricanes. Athletic, smart, strong, and competitive. Those are four good ways to define the overall package that Francavilla will bring to Coral Gables. Miami fans will enjoy watching this young man playing football.
AllHurricanes.com is your home for all things Miami Hurricanes football, recruiting, basketball and other athletics, all the time. Follow along on social media at @AllHurricanes on Twitter and All Hurricanes on Facebook for round-the-clock news and analysis.