Recent Miami football additions defensive tackle Thomas Gore and linebacker Francisco Mauigoa have been named to the Pro Football Focus 2022 College All-Transfer Portal Team. Gore transferred to Miami from Georgia State and Mauigoa made his way completely across the country from Washington State.
Gore was named by PFF as the 22nd-best transfer and top defensive lineman. Mauigoa was named the best transfer LB. Expect Miami to add multiple more transfers. Miami has also received commitments from cornerback Davonte Brown from Central Florida and offensive lineman Javon Cohen from Alabama.
Brown and Mauigoa are joining their brothers on the 2023 Miami football roster. Brown’s brother Damari is a four-star defensive back who has the chance to line up next to each other. Francis Mauigoa is a five-star offensive tackle who with Cohen and fellow five-star OT Samson Okunlola improve the talent for Miami upfront.
Gore projects to be part of the rotation for Miami at DT behind returning starters Jared Harrison-Hunte and Leonard Taylor. Mauigoa will compete with two-year starter Corey Flagg at MLB. Gore was named honorable mention All-Sun Belt in 2021 and earned first-team all-conference from PFF in 2022.
Found my new home in the 305🟧🟩🌴 pic.twitter.com/GzqYQJazAA
— Thomas Gore (@_Iamgore) December 21, 2022
"LINEBACKER: FRANCISCO MAUIGOA (WASHINGTON STATE COUGARS)“As just a true sophomore, Mauigoa was the Pac-12’s second-highest-graded linebacker (75.8)”INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: THOMAS GORE (GEORGIA STATE PANTHERS)“Gore has dominated for two years now. His 90.6 grade since 2021 ranks fifth among all interior defensive linemen in college football. Gore excels in all aspects, standing as one of only five interior defensive linemen with 85.0-plus grades as both a pass rusher and run defender in that span.”"
Mauigoa had a breakout season in 2022 after leading Washington State with 10 special teams tackles in 2021. In 2022 Mauigoa had 60 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks an interception, two passes defended, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Gore was outstanding for Georgia State the last two seasons.
Over four years with the Panthers, Gore had 94 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 11.0 sacks and two forced fumbles. Gore played in a 3-4 defense with Georgia State and will switch to a 4-3 defense at Miami. Mauigoa provides Miami with excellent size at 6’3, 230 pounds. A second wave of transfers will occur after spring football.
Miami added several transfers following spring practice last year. College football programs and players are able to reevaluate their place(s) and determine if it is in their best interest to stay or transfer. Mario Cristobal stated last week that the defensive line and outside wide receivers will be the priority for Miami.