Previewing Miami center commit Nino Francavilla’s post-grad season: ‘He’s got so much potential to be really, REALLY good’

Toronto native and Cheshire Academy post-graduate center Nino Francavilla, Miami’s 6-foot-3, 295-pound 2024 offensive line commit, isn’t like the rest of the Hurricanes‘ commits in this year’s recruiting class.

Francavilla graduated from The Loomis Chaffee School this spring before choosing to enroll at Cheshire Academy for a post-graduate year, which ensures Miami’s only unranked commit will have an additional year of experience under his belt before he sets foot on campus. It ensures he’ll be more mature and experienced after spending an extra year on the field, in the weight room and in the classroom while having the chance to compete against more intense competition.

Cheshire head coach Bill Mella was familiar with Francavilla before he enrolled after facing him in previous seasons, and he quickly recognized his potential to make an impact at the college level.

“I was really excited that he was going to do a post-grad year and that I would get a chance to coach him, because he’s got so much potential to be really, REALLY good,” Mella said. “He’s got a great motor. Great attitude. He works hard in the weight room. He’s one of those kids who gets it. He’s not wishing it; he’s making it happen. I look for him to be a leader for us (this fall), who is going to anchor the offensive line, he’s going to play some D line. I look for him to be a strong force not only in practices but in games.”

Francavilla’s recruitment was set back by some injuries early in his career, but after having him in the building for a handful of workouts, Mella has an idea of the expectations he can set for Francavilla this fall.

“I love the kid,” Mella said. “He’s a beast. He just gets after it. His attitude is great. I can’t wait to work with him and refine some of his skills. I just like the way he plays. He gets after it every play with the same intensity, same motor … man, I’m fired up.”

Like all football coaches, Mella wants Francavilla to continue to get bigger, faster and stronger, but he also hopes to help him clean up his technique. He wants to see Francavilla improve his footwork and concentrate “on some small things that would make a player go from good to great,” which he thinks Francavilla has a chance to do.

“He’s already got the intangibles,” Mella said. “He loves the game. He loves contact. He’s a competitor. He’s got a great motor. He’s got some of the things you can’t coach, so it’ll be fun to work on some things I can with him.”

CaneSport’s Take

Francavilla was clearly the best offensive lineman to attend a Miami prospect camp this summer, where he first landed on the Hurricanes’ radar, and he should add immediate value when he arrives in Coral Gables next season. The Canes feel they’ve found a widely overlooked prospect, and it’s clear he’ll enter college much more polished than many true high school recruits.

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