The Miami football team’s defense is led by starting middle linebacker Francisco Mauigoa, who is expected to return for the 2024 campaign. Mauigoa leads the Hurricanes with 17 tackles for loss, is tied with Rueben Bain for the team lead with 7.5 sacks, and is ranked second on Miami’s defensive line going into the Pinstripe Bowl.
Security James Williams, who leads Miami in tackles currently with 73, will not be playing against Rutgers in the Pinstripe Bowl since he is going to join the 2024 NFL Draft. In the Pinstripe Bowl, Mauigoa ought to overtake Williams as the 2024 team leader in tackles. For the 2024 campaign, Miami should have practically all of its LB players back.
The only senior linebackers listed on the Miami football roster are Keontra Smith and Rocky Shelton, who this season mostly contributed on special teams. Additionally, Miami loses Corey Flagg, the fourth-leading tackler, who signed through the transfer portal and won’t be available against Rutgers. In 2024, Miami anticipates having a strong LB rotation.
Cloyd is expected to return in 2024 and start at left guard with Mauigoa and rising junior Wesley Bissainthe. With 38 tackles, Bissainthe is ranked sixth on Miami. Bobby Washington, Marcellius Pulliam, Raul Aguirre, and Malik Bryant are all promising freshmen at linebacker for Miami. Bryant may be switching to an edge rusher role.
The final game of the regular season saw Pulliam demonstrate his athleticism by returning an interception for a touchdown as the team defeated Boston College 45-20. Vincent Shavers and Cameron Pruitt have committed to Miami at LB in the 2024 class. Miami has depth at linebacker, so it’s not necessary to make the position a transfer portal priority.
It’s a wise professional decision for Mauigoa to return. Mauigoa appears in the NFL Mock Draft Database as the 343rd prospect overall.That is 84 selections lower than Mr. Irrelvant, the NFL Draft’s last pick. Mauigoa’s return for the 2024 season will provide him an additional year of footage to boost his 2025 draft stock.
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