Inside The Lines: Get to know Miami commit Nino Francavilla
After committing to Harvard on July 25th, Cheshire Academy post-graduate center Nino Francavilla was put in a tough situation just one day later … after receiving an offer from the Miami Hurricanes.
The decision he faced at that point was one not many student-athletes have to: stay committed to one of the most prestigious academic universities in the world or chase your football dreams at the University of Miami.
Ultimately, after weighing his options, Francavilla knew Miami was his future home.
“The day after I committed to Harvard, coach (Alex) Mirabal called me up and said `We’re going to offer you,’” Francavilla said. “Obviously, it was a great feeling getting an offer from the University of Miami, but it also put me in a bit of a tricky spot because I just committed the day before. But then, just talking it over with my family and friends, it made total sense to de-commit from Harvard and commit to the University of Miami.”
While Francavilla may be a force on the gridiron, the Miami pledge might be just as ferocious when hitting the books – Harvard wasn’t the only Ivy League school the Toronto native had on his offer list. When his football career is all said and done, Francavilla hopes to become a chiropractor.
“So I’m thinking about going pre-med or the health science route,” Francavilla said. “That’s why Harvard was so attractive to me, but Miami has its own medical building on campus, and Florida as a whole when it comes to medicine is amazing when you get into your career path. It made a lot of sense to go to Miami.”
When the 6-foot-3, 295-pounder is not playing ball or hitting the books, you can find him with family and friends having a good time.
“I would say I’m a very sociable guy,” Francavilla said. “I like to party and hang out with people. When you think of me, I’m like a big dude and stuff, but people like to describe me as a friendly giant when I’m off the field. I’m not this big, scary, intimidating guy that it might seem. I like to just unwind and hang out with friends and family.”
Although Francavilla has been on campus just once, the Miami commit felt a connection like no other during his lone visit this summer.
“When I first stepped on campus, it took me back a little bit,” Francavilla said. “All my friends were saying the same thing. These were the places that we’ve seen on TV, so that was kind of a surreal moment. Just combining that and a couple of months later when I got the offer was just a crazy feeling, really.”
Francavilla’s message to the Miami fans?
“I would say they’re getting out of me a strong, determined player with a great work ethic who’s ready to come down and work,” Francavilla said. “As far as my message to the Miami Hurricanes fans, let’s get this rolling and I can’t wait to get down there. I’m excited to bring The U back to what it was and put some respect on that U again.”
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