2 Miami football signees named among 15 ready-to-play recruits for 2023

Five-star offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa and four-star running back Mark Fletcher are Miami football signees who were named by Gabe Brooks of 247 Sports as two of the “15 ready-to-play recruits in the 2023 class” in an article posted on Thursday afternoon. Mauigoa is currently the highest-rated current 2023 Miami signee.

Mauigoa will likely remain the highest-rated offensive signee in the 2023 Miami football class. Miami is awaiting a decision by five-star cornerback Cormani McClain who has been committed to the Hurricanes since October but has not yet signed his national letter of intent. The Early National Signing Period ends on Friday.

Mauigoa is the eighth-ranked signee, top OT and second in Florida in the Class of 2023. McClain is the second-ranked player overall and the top 2023 recruit in Florida. Mauigoa forms what is expected to be bookend tackles with fellow 2023 OT signee Samson Okulola. Okunlola is the third-ranked 2023 OT.

Mauigoa is the highest-rated non-skill position player in the class of 2023. Offensive line coach Alex Mirabal was the primary recruiter for Mauigoa. Fellow Samoan and Miami interior defensive line coach Joe Salave’a was the secondary recruiter for Miami signing Mauigoa.

FRANCIS MAUIGOA, OFFENSIVE TACKLE – MIAMI
Getting early snaps as an offensive lineman is not easy, but five-star Francis Mauigoa represents the type of O-line prospect who could go against the general expectation. A massive tackle, Mauigoa could easily slide to the interior as well, and that personnel flexibility adds distinct value as a potential early-snap candidate.

Additionally, Mauigoa’s experience on both sides of the ball and extensive snaps playing against excellent high school competition as a member of the IMG Academy squad further suggest that the likelihood that Mauigoa’s will be able to adjust to the Power 5 level.

At 6’1, 225 pounds. Fletcher gives the Miami football program a needed power RB at 6’1, 225 pounds. In four years at American Heritage, Fletcher ran for 4,443 yards, 23 100-yard games and 49 touchdowns. Fletcher also had 46 receptions for 629 and another four TDs. Brooks summarized Fletcher.

MARK FLETCHER, RUNNING BACK – MIAMI
If you’re looking for a high-volume horse to give the ball to early in his college career, Mark Fletcher is your running back. The Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage four-star increased his production this season in counting stats and his per carry rate.

Fletcher ran for more than 1,900 yards on a career-high 226 carries, which also produced  8.58 yards per carry — notably higher than his junior (7.08) or sophomore (6.95) campaigns. The 6-foot-1, 225-pounder should take to blitz pickup well given his size and strength.

Also, his 46 catches and impressive 13.7 yards per reception during his high school career further suggest three-down competency.

Miami signed Fletcher and speedy four-star Chris Johnson at RB in the 2023 class. Fletcher and Johnson have already earned the consensus nicknames thunder and lightning. Miami returns 2022 leading rusher Henry Parrish, Don Chaney Jr. who missed most of the 2022 season and Tre’Vonte Citizen who missed all of 2022.

Citizen suffered a season-ending injury during training camp in August that cost him all of his true freshman season. Fletcher and Johnson will have an impact as freshmen if Chaney and Citizen are not fully recovered from their injuries. Mauigoa and Okunlola should compete for the vacant starting right tackle spot.