Francis Mauigoa posts tweet recruiting 4-star OL Payton Kirkland

After committing to the Miami football program on Monday, five-star offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa tweeted on Monday afternoon “need PaytonKirk55 (four-star OL Payton Kirkland) to block next to me.”  Mauigoa was the third offensive lineman to commit to the 2023 Miami recruiting class.

Miami previously received commitments from three-star prospects, interior OL Antonio Tripp and OT Frankie Tinilau. Francis Mauigoa is the highest-ranked Miami commit and the ninth-ranked player, top OT and third in Florida in the Class of 2023. Kirkland is the 262nd ranked player, 25th OT and 56th in Florida in the 2023 Class.

Tripp is 431st overall, the 27th IOL and eighth in Maryland for 2023. Tinilau is the 1,154th ranked player, 101st OT and 162nd in Florida at Miami LaSalle after transferring from Australia earlier this year. Mario Cristobal is quickly adding depth and talent to the Miami offensive line since being hired last December.

Three-star offensive linemen Anez Cooper and Matthew McCoy signed with Miami in the Class of 2022. Former Oregon OL Logan Sagapolu and Jonathan Denis followed Cristobal to Miami. Miami could have seven or eight new offensive linemen in the year from December Early National Signing Day 2021 to 2022.

The four most recent 247 Sports crystal balls for Kirkland have been logged to Michigan State. David Lake of Inside the U in December logged the only crystal ball projecting Kirkland to Miami. On3 projects Kirkland to commit to Florida. Rivals.Com has the projection of Kirkland split between the Gators and Ohio State.

At 6’6, 350 pounds Andrew Ivins of 247 Sports projects Kirkland as a long-term prospect who needs to rework his body with the potential multi-year power five starter. Miami is likely to lose tackle Zion Nelson after the 2022 season and D.J. Scaife is entering his final year of eligibility this year.

Miami will need to develop from within or add someone through the transfer portal to replace Nelson and Scaife. Mauigoa has the ability to play immediately with Miami. Nelson has been starting since his true freshman year in 2019. Scaife has started most of his Miami career all over the OL since 2018.