Charles Power, the Director of Scouting and Rankings for On3 named Miami football 2023 offensive tackle signee Francis Mauigoa as one of the “5-star recruits primed to make an instant impact in 2023.” Mauigoa is the eighth-ranked signee in the 2023 Miami class, second-best OT, eighth-best prospect and first in Florida.
Mauigoa could be a part of an entirely new Miami offensive line in 2023. D.J. Scaife graduated, John Campbell transferred to Tennessee and Jakai Clark will also reportedly enter the transfer portal. Miami is expected to return Zion Nelson who missed all of the 2022 season and Jalen Rivers who also had an injury.
Mario Cristobal has made the OL a priority. Mauigoa will team with fellow 2023 five-star OT signee Samson Okunlola to anchor the Miami OL of the future. Alabama transfer OL Javion Cohen and center Matt Lee from Central Florida help stabilize the 2023 Miami OL and provide experience.
Mauigoa has been thriving this week at practice for the Polynesian Bowl. After the Polynesian Bowl on Friday in Honolulu Mauigoa and fellow 2023 Miami signee tight end Riley Wiliams will fly to South Florida and begin classes in Coral Gables. Power examined how Mauigoa fits on the Miami OL.
"OT Francis Mauigoa – MiamiBased off what we’ve seen to this point, Francis Mauigoa has an argument as the most ready to play offensive lineman in the 2023 cycle. That’s just what the doctor ordered for Miami as Mario Cristobal looks to build up his offensive line and establish a big, physical presence on offense.Mauigoa has the look of a foundational piece on the Hurricanes’ front and it would be an upset if he didn’t start as a true freshman. At 6-foot-5, 325-pounds, Mauigoa has readymade size. There’s little projection there. He’s also been honing his skills against top competition at IMG Academy for the past two years.Not only does Mauigoa face some top pass rushers on Friday nights, he goes against blue-chip talents at practice every day. Given his size, play strength, quickness and experience against top competition, Mauigoa is a safe bet to see the field when the Hurricanes kick off next fall.The same could be said for fellow touted offensive line signee Samson Okunlola. A Five-Star Plus+ prospect, Mauigoa ranks as the No. 19 overall prospect and No. 3 offensive tackle in the On300."
Mauigoa and Williams are two of the four Miami football signees from IMG Academy in Bradenton. Miami also signed three-star interior OL Antonio Tripp and four-star edge rusher Jayden Wayne. Cristobal and OL coach Alex Mirabal will have a deeper and more versatile OL entering the 2023 season.
Cohen can play on the interior or outside of the OL. Mauigoa could potentially start at tackle or guard. The Miami football program has gotten bigger, more athletic and higher-ranked OL on the 2023 roster. How quickly Mauigoa is able to adapt to college will be critical in determining if he is ready to play in 2023.