Interview: 22-Offer 4-Star 2023 DL Francis Mauigoa Talks Recruiting and Move to IMG Academy

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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California offenses were happy to learn Francis Mauigoa would not be suiting up against them during the 2020 season. As a freshman, the 6-6, 315-pound, defensive linemen dominated Division V squads putting an end to 59 plays with 24 solo tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, three sacks, three fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble. Mauigoa played his 2019 season with Aquinas High School and then went back to American Samoa for his sophomore campaign winning a championship… and now the American Samoa teams are happy he is in Florida.

When the lights turn on come Friday nights this fall, Mauigoa will be suiting up with national powerhouse IMG Academy. With all eyes on the overpowering four-star recruit, Mauigoa may show additional versatility to his game with snaps on the offensive line. Whatever he may do, he will be doing so with over 20 offers already on the table.

In an RNG first-look interview, Mauigoa stopped by the Lab for a detailed breakdown of his game, move to IMG, and ever-expanding recruiting process.

Interview

Francis, the college football recruiting world is a buzz with your talents and abilities. When the 2021 season kicks off, which team will you be playing for?

IMG Academy. Their national team.

Going back to the 2020 season, where did you play football?

I was playing back at home in American Samoa.

How did the season go for you?

It went well. We won the championship. I came out with several sacks. We were able to play eight games.

Which positions did you play during the season?

I played mainly on the defensive side. I played some on offense. It will be the same situation with IMG, they want me on both sides.

During your sophomore season, where did you see the improvements in your skills?

I improved my strength and my footwork. We did a lot of footwork drills at practice. In American Samoa, we really focus on footwork.

During your freshman season you were an absolute beast in the trenches for Aquinas High School playing defensive tackle. What was that experience like for you going up against California varsity talent and dominating at a young age?

I was so proud of myself with all my hard work. That is not enough, you have to keep grinding to be the best. My freshman year dominating varsity ball in California meant a lot to me. It opens a lot up with recruiting.

After getting time in on defense and with a new focus added on offense, how has playing both sides of the ball helped you as a lineman?

It helps seeing what the offensive and defensive side does. Going both ways is helping me see the strategy and the steps they will take against me. Learning the technique on the offensive line and the reads really helps.

What have you been working on this offseason with your fundamentals and technique on offense?

I have been working on my technique and my stance. My stance is the main point of firing off.

And on defense?  

I have been working on punching and extending the hand. I am also working on some new moves, my old moves can be read.

What are some of the new moves?

A cross-chop and a fake spin are a couple of them. I have been watching highlights of players on the line seeing their techniques to see how they do it. At IMG, I am going one-on-one with D-I, five-star guys.

What have you been doing in the weight room to add more power and strength to your game?

Mostly do hang cleans, power cleans, deadlift, and a lot of lower body workouts. I am also doing bench press and squats.

When do you and the Ascenders start spring ball?

We haven’t started spring ball yet. I think we start in April.

Are you going through drills or just workouts with the team right now?

We are doing a lot of training and a lot of footwork drills, and some one-on-ones.

What have those early practice reps been like going up against some of the best in the country?

Doing one-on-ones, it has been a great experience going against the top linemen in the country. It is a great experience competing against them and learning from them.

Are there any camps coming up you may attend?

I am going to an Under Armour camp in Florida and hopefully the Poly Bowl camp.

Let’s get into recruiting. I know it has been crazy for you. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

I have been talking to Clemson, Alabama, Florida, and Indiana.

How many offers do you have now?

Over 20.

Which programs were the last couple to offer you?

Last week I received offers from Georgia, FAU, and Arkansas State.

Which program was the first to offer you?

The first two were Missouri Southern State and Idaho State.

Mauigoa’s Offer Sheet (22): Arizona State, Arkansas, Arkansas State, Army, Florida Atlantic, Georgia, Idaho State, LSU, Mississippi State, Missouri Southern, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, Oregon State, Tennessee, USC, Utah, Washington, and Washington State

With all of the offers comes with a lot of great conversations with very talented coaches. Are there any tips you have picked up that has helped you with your game on the field?

Yes, Oregon’s run game defensive coordinator, Coach Joe (Salave’a) said the one thing he has learned is to never stop learning and never stop working hard. He told me college is another level. You wake up at 6:00 a.m. and go until midnight. He told me to never stop working hard.

When you talk to the various coaches, what are they telling you they like about your skills?

They like the way I dominate on the line. They like how ruthless and unstoppable I am on the line.

Agreed. Francis, it was great getting time in with you today. Wishing you the best of luck in spring ball with IMG Academy.

Thank you, sir.

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Photo credit: Mauigoa family; Francis Mauigoa

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