Miami Outduels Tennessee For Athletic Four-Star Offensive Tackle

Since Francis Mauigoa (6-6, 230) (IMG Academy, FL) visited Miami on June 20th, the Hurricanes had five players commit to the 2023 class. Two of the five, Jaden Rashada and Robert Stafford, accompanied Mauigoa on his official visit, so it seemed inevitable that he would commit to the Hurricanes.

On independence day, the American Samoan native made his commitment to the University of Miami. Mauigoa chose Miami over Alabama, Florida, Hawaii, Tennessee, and USC. Mauigoa is the third-ranked offensive tackle in the nation.

The commitment seemed to come down to the final moments as both Tennessee and Miami made strong pushes to the final day.

Mauigoa took all of his official visits in June starting with Alabama, Florida, and USC before heading south to Miami. He took his last visit to Tennessee. Mauigoa is the seventh four-star rated player to commit to Miami in the 2023 class. The fact that Head Coach Mario Cristobal is a former offensive lineman at the University of Miami seemed to be one of the difference makers for Mauigoa.

"That's an O-Line team right there," said Mauigoa just after his pledge. "An O-Line head coach is going to focus the football game on the O-Line. It's all about the U."

This could be the second of three IMG Ascenders to commit to Miami in just over a week’s time. A source told CanesCounty.com that Jayden Wayne is likely to commit to the Hurricanes on July 9th. Riley Williams committed to Miami on July 1st.

Miami defensive line coach Joe Salave’a coached Francis’s brother at Washington State and the same brother played for Salavae’a’s brother in high school.

"Francis is a great kid on and off the field," said IMG Head Coach Billy Miller. "We split out lift groups and he sets the tone for us. He knows the game so well and is excellent at breaking down opponents.

Miami came into the day with the 14th ranked class in the nation and has the potential to land a top-five 2023 class with Mauigoa joining today.

"He honestly has no comparison. He's so unique with his size and ability to bend on top of his leadership abilities. We have been really blessed at IMG offensive line-wise and he compares to Evan Neal in how he works. "Cece" would be a huge get for anyone.

The four-star is as athletic as they come at his position. Francis has great feet and is relentless until the whistle sounds. Mauigoa uses his strength to outmuscle opponents and seems to enjoy pulverizing his adversaries. Can grow into an All-American at the next level at the guard or tackle position. Mauigoa is trending to be a first-round pick in the NFL.