Francisco Mauigoa explains how quarterback experience helps him as linebacker

Before he was one of the key defensive pieces on the Miami Hurricanes, Francisco Mauigoa was a high school quarterback.

Mauigoa spoke about playing quarterback during ACC Media Days. In particular, he pointed out that his experience at the position then has helped him as a linebacker today.

“Grew up playing quarterback. It’s been fun,” Francisco Mauigoa said. “I love playing quarterback. I love having the ball in my hands. I think just seeing the game different from a quarterback perspective has changed the game for me, just being able to feel what a quarterback will feel. I think that was very important for me as a linebacker because you know when a quarterback gets hit one time, two times, they kind of feel that.”

A native of American Samoa, Francisco Mauigoa attended high school in California for his junior season. There, he was named Ambassador League Offensive Player of the Year as a duel-threat quarterback. He had 1,113 yards and 10 touchdowns passing while rushing for 475 yards and four touchdowns. Despite that, he was a better linebacker and that’s what he got attention for at the college level, initially going to Washington State.

“For me, when I was a quarterback, I felt the same way. Just seeing the game at that perspective has been really important to transition my game at a high level,” Mauigoa said.

Despite his time as a quarterback, he doesn’t necessarily go into a game feeling sorry for anyone who he needs to hit. That’s part of the game as a defensive player.

“At this point as a defensive player, not anymore,” Mauigoa said while smiling. “Kind of got used to it.”

Francisco Mauigoa transferred to Miami ahead of the 2023 season and immediately made his impact felt. In 13 games, he had 82 total tackles, 18 tackles for a loss, and 7.5 sacks. He also had an interception and two forced fumbles, being named Second Team All-ACC in the process.

Francisco Mauigoa discuss excitement to renew Miami-Florida rivalry

Miami opens the 2024 season on the road against the Florida Gators. It’s a rivalry game that Francisco Mauigoa is excited to renew.

“I think any rivalry game is always exciting to watch,” Mauigoa said. “For this rivalry game, I think everybody’s pretty hyped up and pretty pumped up to play this first game. We’re starting off in a good stretch with Florida, so I think it’s gonna be an exciting game.”