Inside the Francisco Mauigoa decision to become a Miami Hurricane: "It did feel like home for me"
It was a tired but happy Francisco Mauigoa late on the afternoon of Dec. 11. The Washington State LB transfer doubles as the younger brother of Miami 5-star OL commitment Francis Mauigoa, and he flew the nine hours plus from Pullman, Wash. to Miami on Thursday night and then back home Sunday.
That official visit helped seal the deal and the announcement now that Mauigoa is a Miami Hurricane.
“The Miami visit was great, I really enjoyed it,” Francisco told CaneSport “I came with my brother, my dad and my girlfriend. We all had a great time and the coaches presented everything really well.
“For me the best part was talking to everyone and especially the education, the classes. Everything was good.”
Francisco already had a pretty good idea he’d be a Cane heading into the visit. But he hadn’t announced anything for a reason. That reason: He had to make sure he felt comfortable in Miami – he’s from American Samoa and had been out West in Washington State.
So it’s a bit different feel in the Sunshine State.
“It did feel like home for me,” Francisco said. “It really did.”
The visit also was the first time Francisco got a chance to meet coach Mario Cristobal in person.
“He seemed like a really good guy, good leader,” Francisco said. “He mentioned how they need a linebacker like me.”
The former 3-star prospect in the Class of 2021, Mauigoa has two years of eligibility remaining. Mauigoa had 60 tackles, 5.5 TFL and 3.5 sacks this past season as a starter, also forcing three fumbles (tied for the Pac-12 lead) with an interception. That interception was, interestingly enough, against Mario Cristobal’s former team – he took it back 95 yards for a TD against Oregon Sept. 24.
As a true freshman last year Mauigoa started two games and had 17 tackles, with 10 of them on special teams. At 6-3 and 230 pounds he has the size and speed to make plays sideline to sideline.
He will enroll at Miami in January and participate in spring practice.
