SJ Alofaituli gives high marks off Miami Hurricanes official visit, has decision timeline in mind: “It’s something special for sure”
It’s no secret Miami has developed a notable pipeline to West Coast high school powerhouse Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman. So it wasn’t a surprise when the Hurricanes hosted No. 71 overall prospect and No. 4 interior offensive lineman SJ Alofaituli, one of the best West Coast prospects and one of Bishop Gorman’s top recruits in this year’s class, for an official visit this weekend.
It was Alofaituli’s first time on campus since the 6-foot-2, 290-pound prospect visited Miami for an unofficial visit April 13, and the Hurricanes offered him a far more in-depth look at the program than he’s previously seen.
“I’m liking it down here for sure,” Alofaituli said. “It was really the love and the coaches, going to my family and the plan they had for me over here, just the plan, you know? It’s something special for sure. The coaches were loving as always, love my family, love me. Guys like Elija Lofton (from Bishop Gorman) over here, they showed out over spring ball. It’s something I plan to do (if I come here) as well.”
Cristobal and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal have both pushed hard for the blue-chip offensive line prospect dating back to last year and have built a strong connection with Alofaituli, and their record developing offensive linemen made him seriously consider the Hurricanes.
That was enhanced during his time on campus.
“Coach Mirabal, the relationship we have together, it was definitely a blessing,” Alofaituli said. “Just the talk we had was a blessing as always.
“(Miami coaches) know what they are talking about. During position meetings I knew the stuff they were doing, nothing new to me. I just have to get used to all the plays. It’s cool.”
Michigan and Nebraska were his other OVs, and Texas A&M is also high up. He says Oregon and USC are also in his picture and could get visits – “me and my family have to talk about” if he will take more trips, Alofaituli said.
He says this Miami visit “made a lot of progress (with the Canes) for me. It was just being over here for an OV was definitely important for me. Meeting coaches, coaches’ families, it was fun – they are great people on and off the field.”
As for when Alofaituli may announce a decision?
“I am trying to do it before the season,” he said. “If it has to be during the season, during the season. My plan is before the season.”
He says when that decision comes “I’ll still visit (other) schools, not really sure yet. We’ll see where it goes from there.”
CaneSport’s Take
Miami has already landed three offensive linemen in this class it feels good about, but getting an interior lineman as polished as Alofaituli would be one of the Hurricanes’ biggest gets yet in the cycle. The Hurricanes have already landed six top-300 recruits in this year’s class but haven’t yet picked up a commitment in the On3 Industry Ranking’s top 100, though we expect it to change soon. Alofaituli says “depth chart, where I fit in” will be deciding factors. He adds “They told me don’t expect to start right away, you have to work for that spot, have to know what they are doing. … They said fight for that spot, earn it. That’s what I like to do. I like to work, get better at my craft.”
The post SJ Alofaituli gives high marks off Miami Hurricanes official visit, has decision timeline in mind: “It’s something special for sure” appeared first on On3.
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings