2 Miami Hurricanes among 10 freshmen to watch in 2023 spring games

Miami Hurricanes offensive tackles Francis Mauigoa & Samson Okunlola were named “among 10 college football freshmen to watch in 2023 spring games” by Shehan Jeyarajah of CBS Sports. Miami could have an entirely new offensive line in 2023 after also adding center Matthew Lee and guard Javion Cohen.

Miami also returns Jalen Rivers who missed the last three games 2022 season with an injury. Rivers has primarily played left tackle this spring. Former Miami starting LT Zion Nelson remains out with a knee injury that caused him to miss most of the 2022 season. Miami returns it’s starting guards from the end of the 2022 season.

Anez Cooper started the final five games of the 2022 season as a true freshman. Laurence Seymore started the final three games of 2022. Cohen and Cooper are the projected starting guards in 2023, Lee will be the center barring anything unforeseen and Rivers with Mauigoa or Okunlola at the tackles.

Lee and Cohen have instantly become leaders on the Miami OL and will mentor Mauigoa and Okunlola this year. Mauigoa and Okunlola set the foundation for the Miami football team for the next three years and will become anchors on the offensive line. The Miami OL has reportedly performed well this spring.

"Francis Mauigoa & Samson Okunlola, OL, MiamiSpring game: April 14 | 7:30 p.m. (ACC Network Extra)“Offensive linemen typically don’t contribute immediately, but a pair of five-stars like Mauigoa and Okunlola joining a team led by former offensive line coach…makes for a unique situation. The players both rank among the top 25 recruits in Miami history and have the potential to lock down spots on the line for three years.Miami is undergoing a full face lift on the offensive line with a number of transfers competing for starting spots. Both Mauigoa and Okunlola are good enough to push for starting tackle spots.”"

Mauigoa and Okunlola are two of 15 Miami Hurricanes early enrollee freshmen participating in spring practice. Other early enrollees that have made an impact this spring include defensive lineman Rueben Bain and quarterback Emory Williams. Bain could challenge to be part of the DL rotation in 2023.

Offensive line is one of the few units for Miami that has retained its position coach. Alex Mirabal is the most likely position coach for Miami that will likely remain on the staff as long as Mario Cristobal is the head coach. Mirabal was a teammate of Cristobal at Columbus High School and on his staff at FIU and Oregon.