Countdown to Canes Football: No. 19 Francisco Mauigoa
The Miami Hurricanes have consistently churned out big-time linebackers that went on to the National Football League.
Jesse Armstead, Darrin Smith, Ray Lewis, Jonathan Vilma, Dan Morgan and numerous other players have worn the Orange and Green before donning a NFL uniform as well.
For the 2023 Miami squad, there’s a need for someone to step up and take that next step and be a great player. Perhaps even be good enough to one day play pro ball. Today’s Countdown to Canes player certainly has the size to make that happen.
Here’s the prior list of players before going into the details of #19 on the list.
#25 - Cam McCormick
#24 - Javion Cohen
#23 - Jacolby George
#22 - Rueben Bain, Jr.
#21 - Jalen Rivers
#20 - Ahmad Moten
Francisco Mauigoa
Size
: 6-foot-3, 230 pounds
Class
: Junior
Position
: Inside Linebacker
Background and Recruitment
Coming from Pago Pago (American Samoa) Tafuna, Mauigoa was a 3-star recruit and signed with Washington State. He had several Group of Five offers and was overlooked by many Pac 12 and Power 5 schools. That was a mistake.
Two Years at Washington State
He played in 13 games in 2021 and 12 games in 2022. Here were Mauigoa’s statistics for each season.
2021
: 17 tackles and one-half a tackle for loss
2022
: 60 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 3 fumbles forced, 1 interception return for a touchdown, 3.5 sacks, a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry
Mauigoa was able to play downhill in the run game and also be helpful as a pass defender, with the 95-yard interception return for a touchdown coming against Oregon.
As one might expect, he’s a naturally physical player. Mauigoa also did a good job of hustling to the ball. He’s a player that made it obvious that he wanted to play football based on his effort. Love that!
More Competition at Linebacker
While defensive tackle depth is a concern, one could argue that inside linebacker depth is just as big a problem. Corey Flagg, Jr. was injured and did not play in the spring game, and there’s no big-bodied middle linebacker returning.
That’s where Mauigoa could shine. Thankfully the Transfer Portal brought him to Coral Gables. Miami needs more size in the middle.
Adding his experience and high-energy play to the depth chart will certainly help. In fact, he has a great chance to be the starting middle linebacker for the Canes this season.
Mauigoa’s Attitude
For anyone that’s seen Mauigoa play, it’s hard not to like him. Just watching him, it’s infectious. Miami can certainly use more of that. It will be interesting to see how he blends in with the other Canes.
Hopefully it helps the other linebackers – at the very least – play with a chip on their shoulder. Miami needs more confidence after its late season defensive collapse, particularly against the run, and that must change from game one onward in 2023.
2023 Projection
Mauigoa could end up being the leading tackler on the team. Just as important, he has the type of personality that could help him be one of the leaders of a young and talented defensive front seven.
Look for him to be a part of special teams units as well. Mauigoa has the fire in the belly that fits coverage units well.
Overall, Mauigoa should be looked at as a very important member of the Canes because of Miami’s lack of big bodies at inside linebacker, as well as his experience and style of play being needed, too.
2024 Recruiting Rankings: Florida's Top 25 Prospects
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