Hurricanes’ culture played key role for blue-chip offensive line commit Seuseu Alofaituli

Four-star offensive lineman Seuseu “SJ” Alofaituli is Polynesian. Miami Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal are Cuban. Although the Polynesian islands and Cuba are far apart, the cultures may not be all that different, at least in Alofaituli’s eyes.

“They are Cuban, and I’m sure they see some (similarities) in both cultures,” Alofaituli told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “Cultures are important.”

A close relationship with Cristobal and Mirabal helped sway Alofaituli, a four-star prospect who lives in Las Vegas, to the Hurricanes over offers from national champion Michigan and Nebraska, among others, when he made his commitment earlier this month . He said he also liked how Miami had brought in other Polynesian players like Francis and Francisco Mauigoa.

“From my freshman year all the way to my junior year, coach Cristobal and coach Mirabal made the most contact with me and my parents,” Alofaituli said. “That was huge for me and my family, as we wanted to make sure I was in good hands the next three to four years. Also, I also like that they have a personal interest for our Polynesian guys.”

Cristobal’s experience as an offensive lineman was a bonus for Alofaituli, who is listed as the No. 3 interior lineman and No. 75 player in the 2025 class, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. Taking an official visit to Miami in June and watching Mirabal work helped seal the deal.

When I came to the (official visit) and I sat to hear coach Mirabal teaching skills, I felt that I understood his lesson, as far as a lineman,” Alofaituli said. “He really broke it down for me as a teacher. His eye contact and body language was serious. I liked that! Now it’s just up to me to learn the language once I’m in, and I can’t wait!”

Alofaituli, a standout for Las Vegas powerhouse Bishop Gorman, got an insider’s look at the program thanks to a friend. Former Bishop Gorman tight end Elija Lofton, a top prospect in his own right, enrolled early at Miami this spring after signing with the Hurricane last year. Lofton’s positive reviews made Alofaituli and his family feel better about the choice to move across the country.

“Elija shared with me how he loved the school,” Alofaituli said. “In fact, his mom also shared how she loved the coaches, especially coach Cristobal. And to join him makes it like home for me. He’s over all a great player and person.”

Alofaituli has one year of high school ball left, but he will have a close eye on the Hurricanes before enrolling after the 2024 season.

“While I wait to come and be a Hurricane, I’d like to see the team win,” Alofaituli said. “I’ll be cheering and completing my season as a Gael. I have to win it … before I leave. I owe it to my coaches, who did a great job with me before I leave for a new season!”