Miami Hurricanes 50-1 Countdown: Ranking the top 50 post-spring players … No. 8 Xavier Restrepo

CaneSport is breaking down the top 50 post-spring players on the Miami roster, a list that doesn’t include any post-spring roster additions. Today we break down No. 8, Xavier Restrepo.

NO. 8 MIAMI WR XAVIER RESTREPO

Why he’s No. 8

Restrepo was poised for a big season last year in what was going to be his first time as a starter … but it was essentially stopped before it could begin due to an early season injury. So this year Restrepo is looking to make up for lost time, and in recent years of the Shannon Dawson system it’s the slot receivers that have led the way. So that poises Restrepo for a big year … although freshman speedster Ray Ray Joseph and returner Brashard Smith could steal some of his reps away. Restrepo’s background so far hasn’t really showcased his ability. He was a backup his first two seasons, then last year suffered an early season injury and 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. In his career to this point he has a total of 46 catches for 625 yards and four scores. As for his Pro Football Focus grades? In 221 reps last season he had a solid 74.7 overall grade (70 is considered good), including a 72.8 receiving grade. In 2021 he played 298 reps off the bench and had a 71.7 overall grade (71.9 receiving), and he played just 29 reps as a true freshman in 2020.

What he needs to do to move up this list

Restrepo is all about the work, and that will serve him well. He is along the lines of that wily guy who always finds his way to open space, so really at this point all he has to do is stay healthy and prove himself. While Restrepo doesn’t have much to show from his first three years at Miami, there’s no reason in this system under Shannon Dawson that he won’t thrive. The guy who worked in the slot 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. We’re not saying Restrepo will have those kind of extreme numbers, but it shows the kind of success a really good slot receiver can have in this offense. Restrepo also will have to show coaches this fall that he should always be on the field … otherwise he is likely to yield some reps to Ray Ray Joseph and Brashard Smith (note that there will also be situations where Dawson will have four receiver sets that could include a pair of slot guys).

Realistic season objective

Restrepo is a guy who has made a name for himself by giving all out effort, and he’ll catch anything in the vicinity. As Tyler Van Dyke’s roommate the duo have a great bond, and Restrepo is going to be a frequent target in the passing game. He has a knack for quickly getting open off the line of scrimmage and we think he’s in line for a breakout season. Would 800+ yards be too much to ask for? We don’t think so. This offense is going to be really good for a guy like this.

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