A stalwart in the middle of Miami’s defense, Francisco emerged as one of the top linebackers in the conference.
An All-ACC Second Team pick, the elder Mauigoa brother totaled a team-high 82 tackles and 18 tackles for loss.
The 6-foot-3, 230-pound defensive playmaker also registered 7.5 sacks, which was tied for the most by a Hurricane last season.
For Francis, the preseason accolade is his first of the year. Meanwhile, for Francisco, it marks his fifth, as he was previously named as one to watch for the Bednarik Award, Butkus Award, Nagurski Trophy and Preseason All-ACC Team.
Twelve Hurricanes have received recognition this fall: defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (Bednarik Award, Preseason All-ACC), kicker Andres Borregales (Groza Award), wide receiver Samuel Brown (Biletnikoff Award), wide receiver Jacolby George (Biletnikoff Award), defensive back Jaden Harris (Wuerffel Trophy), running back Damien Martinez (Doak Walker Award, Maxwell Award), wide receiver Xavier Restrepo (Biletnikoff Award, Maxwell Award, Preseason All-ACC), offensive lineman Jalen Rivers (Outland Trophy), quarterback Cam Ward (Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award, Maxwell Award, Preseason ACC Player of the Year, Walter Camp Player of the Year Award) and quarterback Emory Williams (Comeback Player of the Year Award).
Five finalists for the 2024 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award will be unveiled on Dec. 3 and the winner will be announced on Dec. 17.
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