Miami Hurricanes WR Xavier Restrepo sees team culture at all-time high, excited about new offense under Shannon Dawson

There’s quite a bit of talent in a Miami WR room that added transfer Tyler Harrell and JUCO signee Shemar Kirk plus true freshmen Ray Ray Joseph and Robby Washington. It’s a good problem to have, with wide open competition for jobs this fall. In particular the slot position is one to keep a close eye on, since in Shannon Dawson’s past offense those players have often led the team in receiving yards. Which brings us to Xavier Restrepo.

Last year was supposed to be the breakout season Restrepo, but it didn’t come to fruition, with Restrepo suffering an early-season injury and never really getting back into form once he returned.

It didn’t help that Miami QB/Restrepo’s roommate Tyler Van Dyke also was injured at the midway point of the year in what was essentially a season-ending injury. The end result in 2022 was a 5-7 season, of course.

“I just felt like last year I was too far forward in my mind and God sat me down – I believe everything happens for a reason,” Restrepo said. “Yes, it was frustrating. But I’m grateful for this team culture that’s building.

“I’m just excited for this year.”

Regarding that culture, Restrepo says that “All the guys are bought in, we’re just focused on scheme. We have full confidence in coach Dawson, respect that guy as much as you can respect anybody. We’re super ready to attack the field with him.”

This fall Restrepo is looking to hold onto the starting Miami job, with Brashard Smith and Joseph also working in the slot.

“I attack each and every day,” Restrepo said. “I enhance my skills every day, my athletic ability every day on the field. But this year it was really about off the field things, and our team culture is at a high.”

Restrepo says he’s excited about Dawson’s hybrid Air-Raid attack. The guy who worked in Restrepo’s slot position most of the time under Dawson at Houston last year, Nathaniel Dell, ended the season with 109 catches for 1,398 yards and 17 TDs.

So the potential is there for a big year.

“Everybody is excited for a reason, that’s all I can really say,” Restrepo said. “There is something really good going on over here at The U. I’m just excited to be a part of it.”

Last year Restrepo wound up starting just two games and playing off the bench in five others. He had a disappointing 21 catches for 240 yards and two TDs. He has made his name as a hard worker in Miami practices, diving for balls and always going 100 percent. So if he can remain healthy there’s the expectation he could be a major weapon.

In his career to this point he has a total of 46 catches for 625 yards and four scores.

“Everybody walks around here with a chip on their shoulder that no matter what award, what ranking, your spot is up to be taken,” Restrepo said. “That’s just a great team culture to have.
“Off the field things – team culture is at the highest right now as it’s been. We’re just super excited. … Guys are totally buying in, putting full effort into every single rep, meeting. Super locked in.”

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