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Francisco Mauigoa, the promising transfer at linebacker, addressed the media with the weight of expectation on his shoulders. Yet, he stood tall, firmly grounded in his Polynesian roots, sharing his journey and providing insights into his new chapter with the Miami team.
"It's a blessing," Mauigoa began, referring to his selection to the Polynesian player of the year watch list. "Getting to represent all the Polynesian people and being this far out here is just an amazing opportunity."
On the topic of internal competition, Mauigoa was candid. "Honestly, everybody in that group can play," he noted, mentioning teammates like KJ Cloyd, Keontra Smith, and Corey Flagg. "So you know what coach D-Nic (Derek Nicholson) tells us; whoever's on that field, he's the starting backer."
Mauigoa also provided a perspective on Miami's defensive efforts against the passing game. "The offense is doing a good job of showing different concepts," he observed. "It challenges us to think out of the box."
When questioned about the running backs he encounters in practice, Mauigoa didn’t hold back on praise. Singling out Ajay Allen's knack for finding gaps, Mark Fletcher's power, Don Cheney's speed, and Henry Parrish’s agility, he confidently stated, "We got a really good group out there."
With the season's first game approaching, Mauigoa conveyed both anticipation and a calm focus. "It's really an exciting opportunity to play for Miami. I can't wait, but I take it one day at a time."
For the younger players, Mauigoa's advice was clear: "Be in the moment, enjoy the experience, and just have fun." Reflecting on his own debut nerves, he emphasized the importance of not overthinking.
Discussing his brother, who's also gearing up for his first game, Mauigoa expressed pride and surprise at his rapid maturity. "He's thinking like a pro now," Mauigoa shared, adding that his brother is ready for the challenge ahead.
A significant pull factor for Mauigoa to join Miami was family. "My brother coming here was a big factor," he confessed, "I play well when my family is here."
As the conversation steered towards team dynamics and strategies, Mauigoa shed light on the coaching mantra. "Just being consistent," he revealed. "The energy within practice has to be at a high level."
Drawing a comparison to his stint at Washington State, Mauigoa felt Miami's defense strategy was more aggressive. "Linebackers don’t have to think a lot. You just gotta hit it," he explained.
Before wrapping up, Mauigoa shared his perspective on the offensive line, predicting a big year for them. He also spoke about his role as a mentor to his brother, advising him from a defensive perspective.
As the conversation concluded, the bond between the Mauigoa brothers was palpable. With family and culture at its heart, Francisco Mauigoa's journey is not just about football—it's a tale of identity, growth, and shared dreams.
