Miami football MLB Francisco Mauigoa recovery from offseason surgery going well

Middle linebacker Francisco Mauigoa who led the Miami football team in tackles and tackles for loss in 2023 told reporters during spring practice he is recovering well for surgery on a torn labrum during the off-season. Mauigoa and sophomore defensive lineman Rueben Bain will anchor the 2024 Miami defense.

Mauigoa had 82 tackles, 18.0 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, one interception, three passes defended and two forced fumbles in his first season with Miami in 2023. The labrum surgery kept Mauigoa out for all of spring practice. Sophomore Raul Aguirre received most of the first-team reps at MLB with Mauigoa out.

Miami was able to build some LB depth with Mauigoa out. Expect Miami to add a starting-level transfer LB to go with Wesley Bissainthe and Mauigoa. Bissainthe is entering his third season as a starter with Miami. Mauigoa is entering his fourth collegiate season after spending two years at Washington State.

Mauigoa had his best season in 2023, earning second-team All-ACC. Entering 2024, Mauigoa should receive All-ACC preseason recognition. Mauigoa has mentored the young Miami LBs and praised them during spring practice. Aguirre and freshman Cameron Pruitt have been impressive this spring.

"I mean it's doing really good. Trainers have been helping me a lot throughout my progress. I think I've I've gained back really fast. You know I get so so anxious to get back on the field, but I got to put my pride to the side and you know just just listen and I'm excited for to watch these guys do what do their thing in practice and I'm just out there to support. Yeah I got my left shoulder torn labrum."

Mauigoa was one of Miami's most consistent players in 2023 with at least three tackles in every game. Over the final seven games, Mauigoa had at least five tackles with six or more in six games. Mauigoa also recorded a TFL in 11 of Miami's 13 2023 games.

Mauigoa saved his best game for the Pinstripe Bowl versus Rutgers with 12 tackles, one TFL and one pass defended. Mauigoa had nine tackles, 2.5 TFLs and two sacks versus versus Florida State. The big games brought out the best in Mauigoa last season. Mauigoa was the best of a good 2023 Miami transfer class.

Center Matt Lee, guard Javion Cohen and Mauigoa were all key contributors for Miami in 2023. Cohen and Lee are off to the NFL after entering foregoing their final season of eligibility to enter the NFL Draft. Mauigoa is currently projected as the 110th prospect on the 2025 NFL Mock Draft Database big board