The linebacker depth chart for the Miami football team will look very different in August than it looked during spring practice. Starting middle LB Francisco Mauigoa missed spring practice with an injury. Miami added Louisville LB Jaylin Alderman at the end of April more than two weeks after spring practice ended.
Alderman, junior Wesley Bissainthe and Mauigoa are projected to be the top three LBs for Miami in 2024. Sophomore Raul Aguirre is projected to be the backup for Mauigoa and true freshman Cameron Pruitt is the projected second-team outside LB backing up Alderman and Bissainthe.
Alderman, Bissainthe and Mauigoa are one of the most experienced LB units in the ACC. Alderman has 79 career tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception and three passes defended in two seasons playing for Louisville. After a solid 2021 freshman season, Alderman redshirted in 2022 and had a breakout 2023 season.
Bissainthe has 74 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and two sacks and two seasons. Mauigoa has 159 tackles, 24 TFLs, 11 sacks, 5.0 forced fumbles, 6.0 passes defended and 2.0 interceptions with one returned for a touchdowns in two seasons with Washington State and one with Miami during his collegiate career.
Canes add a quality LB, via Louisville and the portal. 3 good vets at LB – Mauigoa, Bissainthe, Alderman and promising young LBs, including Aguirre and Pruitt. https://t.co/mM9Fxp1Zfu
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) April 28, 2024
Mauigoa led Miami with 82 tackles in 2023, was first in the ACC with 18.0 TFLs, tied for the team lead with 7.5 sacks and added 2.0 forced fumbles, 4.0 passes defended and an interception. Following the 2023 season, Maugioa was named second-team All-ACC. Mauigoa should be a 2024 preseason first-team All-ACC.
Aguirre had seven tackles and 0.5 TFL playing all 13 games playing limited defensive snaps in 2023. Entering the 2024 season Aguirre will have an increase in snaps and is the heir apparent to Mauigoa at MLB. Miami has better depth, experience and talent at LB entering the 2024 season.
