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CORAL GABLES — Francis Mauigoa and Samson Okunlola both arrived as heralded five-star offensive tackles in UM’s 2023 recruiting class.
But while Mauigoa has started every game in his first two years at Miami, Okunlola has played just 279 total snaps, with many coming on special teams.
Entering his third season with the Hurricanes, Okunlola is getting closer to breaking into the Hurricanes’ crowded, talented offensive line and becoming a player his coaches trust to uphold the line’s high level of play.
“The game’s starting to slow down for him, and he’s going to be a great player for the ‘Canes,” offensive line coach Alex Mirabal said. “But he’s a kid who believes in himself, he believes in us, and he knows that we believe in him, which is really important. But he’s doing great.”
Injuries have played a role in slowing down Okunlola’s development. He suffered a torn MCL as a freshman, which limited him to just 30 snaps. Then he suffered a hand injury during Miami’s bowl practices last year, which required surgery. This week of practice was his first live action on the field.
“He’s a guy that, in my mind, he could start here and he could start anywhere else in the country,” Mirabal said. “I’m just looking forward to now when he gets more clearance — which he should have more clearance between (Thursday) and Saturday — so Saturday, I think, there’s no holds barred. Saturday, he can do everything. He’s doing awesome.”
Miami’s offensive line is filled with veterans, so it will be tough for Okunlola to break into the lineup. Mauigoa has been the starting right tackle for two years, and Anez Cooper has started at right guard since 2022. James Brockermeyer transferred in to fill the void left by departing senior Zach Carpenter. On the left side, Markel Bell will likely play left tackle after playing more than 500 snaps there last season. Ryan Rodriguez and Matt McCoy, who competed for left guard last year, will likely fill the same role.
In a small sample size of 64 offensive snaps last year, Okunlola received a 71.4 overall grade, a 73.6 run-blocking grade and a 41.6 pass-blocking grade.
Although people outside the program may criticize Okunlola for not providing an immediate impact, Mirabal said the lineman has been working hard the last two years and that he’s become a valuable member of the offensive line.
“There’s nothing wrong,” Mirabal said. “People look for stuff wrong because that’s what people do nowadays. But he’s just a kid who’s kept his head down and just gone to work, and that work is about to be rewarded.”
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But while Mauigoa has started every game in his first two years at Miami, Okunlola has played just 279 total snaps, with many coming on special teams.
Entering his third season with the Hurricanes, Okunlola is getting closer to breaking into the Hurricanes’ crowded, talented offensive line and becoming a player his coaches trust to uphold the line’s high level of play.
“The game’s starting to slow down for him, and he’s going to be a great player for the ‘Canes,” offensive line coach Alex Mirabal said. “But he’s a kid who believes in himself, he believes in us, and he knows that we believe in him, which is really important. But he’s doing great.”
Injuries have played a role in slowing down Okunlola’s development. He suffered a torn MCL as a freshman, which limited him to just 30 snaps. Then he suffered a hand injury during Miami’s bowl practices last year, which required surgery. This week of practice was his first live action on the field.
“He’s a guy that, in my mind, he could start here and he could start anywhere else in the country,” Mirabal said. “I’m just looking forward to now when he gets more clearance — which he should have more clearance between (Thursday) and Saturday — so Saturday, I think, there’s no holds barred. Saturday, he can do everything. He’s doing awesome.”
Miami’s offensive line is filled with veterans, so it will be tough for Okunlola to break into the lineup. Mauigoa has been the starting right tackle for two years, and Anez Cooper has started at right guard since 2022. James Brockermeyer transferred in to fill the void left by departing senior Zach Carpenter. On the left side, Markel Bell will likely play left tackle after playing more than 500 snaps there last season. Ryan Rodriguez and Matt McCoy, who competed for left guard last year, will likely fill the same role.
In a small sample size of 64 offensive snaps last year, Okunlola received a 71.4 overall grade, a 73.6 run-blocking grade and a 41.6 pass-blocking grade.
Although people outside the program may criticize Okunlola for not providing an immediate impact, Mirabal said the lineman has been working hard the last two years and that he’s become a valuable member of the offensive line.
“There’s nothing wrong,” Mirabal said. “People look for stuff wrong because that’s what people do nowadays. But he’s just a kid who’s kept his head down and just gone to work, and that work is about to be rewarded.”
Continue reading...
