Francisco

Mauigoa

A downhill heat-seeking missile at middle linebacker, Francisco Mauigoa (6'3, 230) led both Washington State and Miami in tackles during consecutive stints and brings four years of Power Five production to the table. Mauigoa’s instincts and urgency between the tackles pop on tape, showcasing a classic “banger” mentality. He plays low to the ground, sees it before it happens, and arrives with bad intentions—especially as a blitzer, where he timed up gaps with striking precision (29 TFLs at Miami). While he boasts a strong 9.13 RAS, his stiff hips and tight change-of-direction limit him in space and make him a liability when asked to patrol the flat. Still, he’s Miami’s former green-dot player with special teams experience, and hasn’t missed a game in four years. With football bloodlines and a lunch-pail demeanor, Mauigoa projects as a core special teamer and rotational run-thumper who can help you survive early downs in the league.

Mario Cristobal has had a great recruiting run since taking over in Miami, and Mauigoa (6'5"/330) will be his crown jewel. Mauigoa is ranked as the ninth overall player, the top OT and the third player out of Florida from the famed IMG Academy. He’s got incredible size and speed for the position already, he can win reps with just his immense power, and that will probably translate pretty well into college. Technique does need some work, but a guy with the physical tools Mauigoa has already is big. He’s Miami’s ninth highest recruit all time, and for a program with the pedigree of Miami that is no joke.

Mauigoa (6'5/330) narrowed his list down to six schools earlier in June and has officially set his commitment date for the Fourth of July. The IMG Academy product will announce his intentions on CBS Sports HQ. With USC, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, Miami FL, and Hawaii all in contention, the 9th-ranked player per the 24/7 Sports Composite currently doesn’t have a crystal ball.

It was reported earlier this week that Mauigoa (6'5"/330) was extremely impressed by his Tennessee visit, and that held true when they made his top six. Also in there are Alabama, Florida, USC, Miami and Hawaii. Alabama and USC seem to be the clear cut favorites, but it would be very interesting to see Hawaii or Tennessee make it. Mauigoa will take all five of his official visits in the following two weeks.

Mauigoa (6'5"/330) said prior to the visit that Tennessee wasn’t even in his top 13, but after they are one of his top choices. He said it was unexpected, but the atmosphere and vibe were different than he had experienced before which changed things. He also said he trusts the coaching staff, and his conversations with them were very productive. He specifically mentioned Tennessee OL coach Glen Elarbee, and said he learned so much in just 30 minutes. Mauigoa also likes that the Vols agree with him that he can play all five OL positions. Mauigoa is currently ranked as the eighth overall player, and the second OT in the class. That means every top school in the nation is after him, so if Tennessee were to pull this off it would be one of their biggest recruiting wins ever.