In his awards from the Polynesian Bowl on Friday night, Woody Wommack the Rivals.com Social Media Director said Miami football offensive tackle signee Francis Mauigoa left no doubt he is among the best five-star prospects in the class of 2023. Rivals ranks Mauigoa as the 20th player in the 2023 class and third-best OT.
Francis Mauigoa played well against elite edge rushers throughout the Polynesian Bowl including a key block on the game-clinching touchdown. The 247 Sports composite rankings have Mauigoa as the 10th prospect overall and top OT. Mauigoa is the eighth-ranked prospect and second OT in the On3 consensus rankings.
Mauigoa was one of five players given the eponymous Womack Awards for the Polynesian Bowl participants. Three-star OT Frankie Tinilau and four-star tight end Riley Williams were the other 2023 Miami signees who participated in the Polynesian Bowl. Mauigoa was praised throughout the entire week in Hawaii.
Brandon Huffman of 247 Sports named Mauigoa as the Alpha Dog
after day one of practice at the Polynesian Bowl in Hawaii. Mauigoa was able to prove his athleticism and versatility throughout the week even taking snaps at TE during practice. Rivals and Womack seem to have more reservations about Mauigoa than other sites.
"LEAVE NO DOUBT“There has been some internal debate about just exactly where Mauigoa fits in the five-star conversation throughout the rankings process. He’s big an(d) athletic but still relatively new to the position and because of that, he’s had his ups and downs against elite competition.After skipping the two earlier all-star games to spend time with his family in American Samoa and Hawaii, Mauigoa came in this week locked in and capped it off with a dominating performance in the game.He matched up with fellow five-star Matayo Uiagalelei during the game and did an excellent job and also made a key blocked (sic) on the game’s go-ahead touchdown. With the way he played this week, there’s no doubt he belongs among the best in the country.”"
Charles Power of On3 named Mauigoa as one of the “5-star recruits primed to make an instant impact in 2023.” Miami could have an entirely new offensive line in 2023 from the one that ended the season against Pittsburgh. Mauigoa is joined in the 2023 Miami class by fellow five-star OT Samson Okunlola.
With the Polynesian Bowl behind him, Mauigoa will begin his tenure with the Miami football program this week. Mauigoa is a prime candidate to compete to start at right tackle. Either Mauigoa or Okunlola could move inside and play guard before moving back to tackle later in their careers.