UM lands another big commitment Friday. Here’s what to know about the newest guard/center

The Miami Hurricanes recruiting machine kept chugging on Friday, landing a commitment from Las Vegas-based Seuseu “SJ” Alofaituli, one of the nation’s top interior linemen.

Rivals rates him the best center in the 2025 class and 247 Sports lists him as the No. 2 interior lineman. He picked Miami over Michigan and Nebraska.

“Something special they have going on with coach [Mario Cristobal] and coach Alex Mirabal,” Alofaituli said during a live announcement on 247 Sports. “They’ve been in touch with me since [my] freshman year. I like coach Cristobal a lot.”

Alofaituli attends Bishop Gorman High, which has been a pipeline of sorts for UM in recent years, with NFL tight end Brevin Jordan, edge player Cyrus Moss (who subsequently transferred this offseason) and freshman tight end Elija Lofton, who was a revelation during spring practice.

Listed at 6-3 and 280 pounds, Alofaituli is rated a top 100 Class of 2025 player by most recruiting services — 55th by 247 Sports, 71st by On3.com and 98th by Rivals.

“I’m really just a dawg on and off the field, like to lead by example,” he said. “I love the grind.”

247 Sports national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins said Alofaituli is “one of the most technically sound offensive lineman in this year’s class. Will be a rare four-year starter for national powerhouse Bishop Gorman and has shown the ability to play anywhere along the offensive line but projects as a guard/center at the next level.

“At 6-3, 280 pounds, Alofaituli may not have the biggest frame but makes up for it with his strength, feet, balance, physicality and high level football IQ. He understands leverage and how to play the position at a college level right now. He’s quick off the ball, moves extremely well laterally and can easily get to the second level and make a block on a linebacker or safety. He’s devastating at the point of attack and mauls opposing linemen in the run game.

“As a pass blocker, he’s light on his feet, a natural bender and can stun a defender with his punch. Of all the linemen in this year’s class, Alofaituli could be the guy most ready to play now at the college level.

“He may not have the highest ceiling among the OL group but could have the highest floor and we definitely think he has all the tools to play at the NFL level.”

UM has now added four four-star prospects this week. Three of them are Class of 2025 commitments — linebacker Gavin Nix, safety Hylton Stubbs and now Alofaituli. Also this week, UM added Class of 2026 four-star quarterback Dereon Coleman.

Alofaituli becomes UM’s fifth offensive lineman in its 2025 class, joining Orlando Edgewater tackle Jaden Wilkerson, Jacksonville based interior lineman Takaylen Muex, Orlando Christian Prep tackle Demetrius Campbell and Sanford Seminole tackle Max Buchanan.

The Canes now have 17 nonbinding commitments for 2025, with 10 of those coming since June 1.

The Canes entered Friday with the No. 11 2025 class (per 247 Sports) and No. 12 class (per On3.com’s ratings).