Reporting live from New York Jets HQ in Florham Park, NJ—One of the least-discussed members of the Jets’ 2025 draft class has already impressed teammates with his quick grasp of the defense. Just ask team MVP Jamien Sherwood.
Speaking to reporters at Jets training camp, Sherwood praised fifth-round pick Francisco Mauigoa’s immediate impact, highlighting the rookie linebacker’s natural leadership and instinctive playmaking ability.
“I feel like he is just a natural-born linebacker,” said the former Auburn Tiger. “I feel like he has leader tendencies as well. OTAs, he was out there making a lot of plays. I also feel like he is a good learner as well. As a rookie, it took me some time to learn some things, but it feels like he is getting it on his first day. It is like second nature to him. I’m excited to see him this season.”
After beginning his college career at Washington State, where he played in 25 games across two seasons, Mauigoa transferred to Miami and quickly made his mark. The California native capped off his time with the Hurricanes by leading the team with 96 tackles in 2024, a performance that earned him second-team All-ACC recognition.
A former three-star prospect out of Aquinas High School in San Bernardino, Mauigoa arrives in Florham Park with a track record of production and special teams versatility. The 22-year-old linebacker has a chance to make an early impact as he competes for reps in a Jets linebacker corps that lacks proven depth.
Mauigoa hopes to carve a niche for himself as New York moves into a revamped defensive scheme – a transition that will be led by its 2024 team MVP.
Sherwood outlined what it will take to build an elite defense under a new system, emphasizing the importance of consistent execution.
“Obviously, you always want to improve and be better than you were last year, but this is a different group, a different coach, a different scheme, so it is just all about taking what we do here and bringing it to the game on Sunday,” he said.
Sherwood, now stepping into a larger leadership role with the retirement of C.J. Mosley, will be counted on to anchor a defense undergoing both schematic and cultural changes.
If you ask the linebacker, he knew all along that he was born to lead.
“I always felt like I could be a leader. I just had to learn to speak out more,” said the Auburn product. “I used to be a little introverted, not talk to many people, and that was a point for growing. When I was a rookie, I needed to learn a new position, a whole new approach to this game, so when I was younger in this league, I had other stuff to learn and worry about, but I always felt deep down inside that I was a leader.”
Changes are coming for the Jets’ defense, and Sherwood will be at the forefront.
