Canes linebacker Francisco Mauigoa addressed the media in anticipation of their match-up against Georgia Tech. The seasoned player detailed his thoughts on the opposing team, reflected on his personal journey, and provided insight into the team dynamics currently at play.
"Georgia Tech’s got some really good players on their offense. They got explosive receivers, pretty fast ones too, and a quarterback that can throw accurate passes." In response to Georgia Tech's strengths, Mauigoa expressed confidence in Miami's preparation, emphasizing that the team is approaching this game with the same level of rigor as every other, "going all out."
Another key topic touched upon was the unique "player-led" approach championed by head coach Mario Cristobal. Coming from Washington State, “Kiko” weighed in on his observations since joining the Miami Hurricanes. "From the time I got here, we had a lot of vocal leaders," Kiko shared, mentioning influential players such as Kam Kinchens, James Williams, Corey Flagg, and Tyler Van Dyke. This leadership dynamic, coupled with player-led meetings throughout the offseason, has impacted "how we approach every scheme and how we handle ourselves," Mauigoa stated.
Taking a moment to discuss the freshmen linebackers, Mauigoa highlighted their progress, singling out Popo Aguirre for his aggressive play and Bobby Washington for his explosive get-off.
Mauigoa was quick to credit the defensive line for the defense’s success stopping the run, emphasizing their dedication and hard work during practices. "These guys stay behind and work on their technique," he remarked, highlighting the collaborative effort that goes into their defensive success.
