Tennessee’s highest-rated prospect on its recruiting board announced his decision to commit to Miami on Monday.
Francis Mauigoa chose the Hurricanes over UT, Alabama, Florida, Hawaii and Southern California. That’s some pretty astute company.
Here are four things to know about the five-star offensive tackle prospect from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.:
The timing of the announcement seems to hint at a Tennessee commitment
Mauigoa announced he would share his college decision with the football world just after taking his official visit to Tennessee on June 24. That’s usually a good sign for the hosting team. It’s unclear if that was the case with Mauigoa. He could have decided to announce his college choice on July 4 regardless of how his visit to Knoxville went. Miami was apparently well in play even before Mauigoa made his way to Tennessee.
He’s versatile and can play immediately
Mauigoa is scheduled to play offensive tackle in college. However, he’s one of the rare offensive lineman prospects that can play guard or tackle. He has the strength to play guard and the mobility to play tackle. Every prospect wants to end up at tackle and Mauigoa, who is 6-foot-5 and 330 pound, is no exception. Offensive tackle is where the money is longterm. Tackle may be the eventual landing spot for Mauigoa, but his versatility can make him an immediate impact player wherever he’s needed. Need athleticism? Mauigoa has it
The Samoan connection is a factor
Mauigoa isn’t going to choose Tennessee just because his family and five-star Tennessee quarterback commitment Nico Iamaleava’s family reportedly jelled during their Tennessee visit. However, both are Samoan Americans that place family higher on their list of factors in their decision than other prospects. Relationships are just a part of the decision-making process, but they are a factor. Clearly, Iamaleava has made recruiting Mauigoa a top priority.
Committing is much more difficult with conference realignment
Since Mauigoa announced when he would share his college decision, all heck has broken loose in college football. The Trojans have always been in the mix. What has happened to Mauigoa’s thoughts on USC now that they’re slated to join the Big Ten? That had to affect Mauigoa’s decision. The same could be said for Miami, an ACC team in a very uncertain spot with conference realignment picking up steam.
