Miami football: Bain and Mauigoa Preseason freshmen All-Americans

Defensive lineman Rueben Bain and offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa represent the Miami football program on the “247 Sports’ Preseason True Freshman All-American Team for 2023.” Bain is expected to be a part of the Miami rotation on the DL. Mauigoa is the projected starting right tackle.

Bain was the 71st-ranked signee, 10th edge rusher and 15th player in Florida in the 2023 Class. Bain had a gaudy 150 tackles and 94 tackles for loss in four years at Miami Central. Initially, Bain is projected to be a situational pass rusher at Miami. Expect Bain to push for more snaps throughout the season.

Mauigoa was the sixth-highest-ranked signee, the second offensive tackle and the second player in Florida in the 2023 Class. Mauigoa was also the highest-ranked 2023 Miami signee. Miami has significantly upgraded its offensive line during the offseason. Mauigoa and transfers Javion Cohen and Matt Lee are all new starters.

Mario Cristobal and his staff have made over nearly half the Miami football roster during the 2023 off-season. Miami has 41 new players on its 2023 roster. Bain and Mauigoa are two of the new players projected to make an impact this season. Chris Hummer summarized the Freshman All-America team for 247 Sports.

"Francis Mauigoa, OL, MiamiTop247 rank: No. 6 overall, No. 2 OT“Basically a starter from the moment he walked on campus as an early enrollee, Mauigoa has lived up to his five-star billing in Coral Gables. He has a massive presence at 6-foot-5, 330 pounds, but he moves like someone much smaller.Mauigoa has the strength and athleticism to develop into a top-10 draft pick down the line. For now, he’s simply one of the safest bets to play as a true freshman tackle that we’ve seen in recent memory.”"

Bain, Mauigoa and five-star OT Samson Okunlola were the top signees in the 2023 Miami football class. Okunlola is projected to earn snaps as a backup on the OL. Four-star running back Mark Fletcher is another Miami freshman to watch with the potential to earn freshman All-American.

Fletcher is pushing for significant touches in 2023. Returning leading rusher Henry Parrish and Nebraska transfer Ajay Allen project ahead of Fletcher. Early in the season, Fletcher is more likely to be utilized as a short-yardage back. Fletcher was the fourth-highest-ranked 2023 Miami signee.

"Rueben Bain, DL, MiamiTop247 rank: No. 71 overall, No. 10 EDGE“Bain garnered a ton of hype during Miami’s spring game when he posted three sacks, but he’s been manufacturing that type of production for a long time. The ability dates back to his time at Miami Central, where he notched 77 career sacks (including 29.5 as a senior).Bain is already drawing first-team reps for the Hurricanes in camp.”"

Bain provides the Miami DL with the versatility to play tackle or edge rusher. Expect Bain to continue pushing for first-team snaps. The production from Bain should help all the DL on the Miami football team continue to develop. Cristobal has spoken about the increased competition throughout the Miami football team.

The 2023 Miami class is expected to set the foundation for the culture Cristobal wants to implement. Several led by Bain and Mauigoa should make an impact for Miami in 2023. Having two players named as Freshmen All-Americans would a huge accomplishment for Cristobal, his staff and the Miami football program.