Three-star offensive tackle Tommy Kinsler was the fourth offensive lineman to commit to the Miami football program with his announcement on Thursday. Head coach Mario Cristobal and OL coach Alex Mirabal are building one of the best OL classes for Miami in many years. The class includes five-star tackle Francis Mauigoa.
Mauigoa is the ninth highest-rated commit ever to Miami and the third highest-rated OL. Seantrel Henderson in 2010 and Reggie Youngblood in 2004 are the only OL higher rated than Mauigoa to commit to Miami. Miami also has 2023 commits from three-star OL Frankie Tinilau and Antonio Tripp.
Miami should sign one of their best offensive line classes in program history. Five-star OT Samson Okunlola is also trending to Miami. Three 247 Sports crystal balls logged earlier this month projecting that Okunlola will commit to Miami. Miami has not signed five OL in the same class since 2017.
The 2017 class signed four-star tackles Navaughn Donaldson and Kai-Leon Herbert and three-star tackles, Zach Dykstra and Zalontae Hillery and center Corey Gaynor. Donaldson and Gaynor became multi-year starters. Dykstra, Herbert and Hillery never became contributors on the Miami OL.
"Miami has clearly set the tone in this recruitment for Samson Okunlola."
— 247Sports (@247Sports) July 15, 2022
🗣️ @SWiltfong247 breaks down where Miami stands with Elite OT prospect Samson Okunlola and with other top targets 👀@GabyUrrutia247 x @247Canes pic.twitter.com/ymHLo1zHsD
Mauigoa and Okunlola will have a chance to contribute immediately to Miami. Starting left tackle Zion Nelson is a potential 2023 NFL first-round pick. D.J. Scaife is entering his final season of eligibility as the projected Miami right tackle in 2022. Kinsler, Tinilau and Tripp add depth and project more as long-term prospects.
With Cristobal as the head coach and Mirabal coaching the OL, expect recruiting up front to be made more of a priority than under past Miami coaching staffs. Cristobal knows what it takes to be a successful OL for Miami. The commitment from Mauigoa was huge for the future of the Miami football program.
Mauigoa is the sixth-ranked prospect, top OT and second in Florida in the Class of 2023. Okunlola is the 14th ranked player overall, third OT and best player in Massachusetts in the Class of 2023. Commitments from two of the top three OTs for 2023 would be a huge coup for Cristobal, Mirabal and Miami.