Interview: Florida 2018 RB Quino Mauricette Preps for Starter Role with Miramar

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

On the field opportunities taken away in 2015 are coming full circle in 2016 for Miramar running back Quino Mauricette. By all accounts, Mauricette is preparing for the opportunity of a lifetime to lead the Patriots on the field against 8A Florida competition over the upcoming schedule.

Mauricette’s sophomore season was cut short before he had the chance to get going with a hamstring injury in the season opener. As the end of a 5-5 year for the Patriots was winding down, Mauricette was finally able to go, but without a playoff appearance, the budding talent went straight to wrestling. Spring football proved to be fruitful seeing the 5-9.5, 160 pound, speedster earn a spot as a starter going into the 2016 campaign.

Ready to showcase his talents, Mauricette is chomping at the bit for the upcoming season. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with budding talent to get the inside scoop on his injury in 2015, how his spring ball sessions played out, and received an overview on his upcoming college camp schedule.

Interview

Quino, your season was cut short in 2015 due to an injury. If you will, explain to me what happened.

“I pulled a hamstring in the Kickoff Classic, at the very beginning of the season. I was out for the majority of the season. We went 5-5 last season. By the time the season ended I was healed up and then started wrestling.”

You are 100 percent now?

“Oh yeah. I’m 100 percent.”

What have you been working on this offseason to prepare for your junior year?

“Strength, gaining weight, speed, and my agility.”

What is your weight gain goal?

“I want to be at 175 at the start of the season.”

Have you ran a 40-yard dash this offseason?

“No, but my best 40 is a 4.6.”

You were healthy for spring ball after wrestling. How did spring practices go for you?

“It went great. I got a lot of yards on each carry. It was fun.”

Will you be the starter or in the top rotation in the Miramar offense this season?

“Yes. I’m the No. 1 starter in rotation.”

What type of offense does your school run?

“Our offense is very similar to West Virginia’s offense. Our offensive coordinator (Ivan McCartney) played for West Virginia. We watch film on them a lot. We run a lot of their plays out of their formations.”

What are some of the things you got better at as a running back during spring ball?

“My patience and my vision – that really got better from last year to this year. I got better at being a tougher runner.”

Are you going to play any other positions for Miramar? Will we see you in the slot or on defense?

“Not in the slot but I might play defense. Right now I’m not sure. Our defensive coordinator wants me to play defense.”

Are you going to be on special teams as a kick or punt returner?

“I might try out for kick returner this year.”

Are you going to any college camps this summer?

“We are going to a University of Florida 7×7 camp and a couple of padded camps. I think we are going to Florida Atlantic (padded) and Central Florida (padded). We are also going to a FAU (Florida Atlantic), Kentucky, and N.C. State camp (June 14).”

How is everything going in the classroom?

“I have a 3.6 GPA.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“No, not yet.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“Math. I like Algebra II.”

You mentioned wrestling earlier. How did your season go wrestling?

“I made it to regionals this year. This was my first year wrestling.”

Do you have a favorite move on the mat?

“I like the outside single and the cradle.”

Last question, what is your favorite part about playing football?

“Just being aggressive and the contact.”

Quino, thanks for your time today and good luck at all the camps coming up.

“Thank you.”

Photo credits: southfloridahighschoolsports.com; Quino Mauricette in action.