ACC Football: Most impactful newcomers for each team
By Dante Pryor
Miami Hurricanes:
Francis Mauigoa, Offensive Line: Losing Jaden Rashada and Cormani McClain makes Francis Mauigoa and Samson Okunlola the crown jewels of Miami’s 7th-ranked recruiting class. Mauigoa and Okunlola are day-one starters. Mauigoa has the opportunity to be the best offensive tackle since Bryant McKinney.
Mauigoa is an exceptional athlete. A 6-foot-5 and 330 pounds person should not move as nimbly as he moves. The IMG product is a rare combination of power and elite athleticism. He has a tremendous backpedal for someone who should be preparing for prom. Mauigoa isn’t raw; he’s young. He has excellent polish for someone his age and will start on day one.
Javion Cohen, Offensive Line: The Alabama transfer gives the Hurricanes a veteran combo lineman who will play guard but has experience playing tackle should the need arise. Cohen was a blue chipper out of high school and was second-team All-SEC as a sophomore.
Adding a player like Cohen gives Miami a player from a winning program with a championship pedigree. He comes from a program that knows how to win, which will be an asset to the Hurricanes.
Riley Williams, Tight End: The Hurricanes signed Cam McCormick from the portal and have Elijah Arroyo returning. However, Williams has the opportunity to see the field much as a true freshman. Will Mallory was Miami’s most consistent receiver last year, and Williams is arguably the best pass-catching option for the Hurricanes.
Williams, a former basketball standout, is an outstanding leaper and elite athlete. Williams can play early and join the line of great Miami tight ends.