Xavier Restrepo challenging as Miami Hurricanes leading receiving

Third-year sophomore Xavier Restrepo is challenging to become the Miami Hurricanes leading receiver with his play during spring practice. Restrepo had 24 receptions for 373 yards and two touchdowns in 2021. With Mike Harley graduating, Restrepo is the favorite to become the starting slot receiver in 2022.

Restrepo is expected to be the go-to receiver for quarterback Tyler Van Dyke when the Miami Hurricanes need a first down in 2022. In the second scrimmage of the spring, Restrepo had a number of receptions according to head coach Mario Cristobal. Restrepo will be a player to watch at the Miami spring game next week.

Throughout the spring, Restrepo has quickly become a receiver that Van Dyke is looking for as an outlet. Restrepo and Keyshawn Smith are expected to become the leaders of what is otherwise a young and inexperienced Miami receiver corps. Smith started all 12 games for Miami last season while Restrepo backed up Harley.

Restrepo was impressive for Miami in the second scrimmage on Saturday. Although Cristobal did not give complete stats, the Hurricanes’ head coach was impressed with the play of Restrepo on Saturday. Restrepo showed the ability to take over a game in the second scrimmage this spring. Cristobal spoke about Restrepo.

“I thought Xavier Restrepo took over…really made some big, big plays.”

The Miami Hurricanes players are learning a new offense this spring. After Rhett Lashlee left to become the head coach at SMU, Cristobal hired former Josh Gattis from Michigan to become the new head coach. Expect Miami to be more balanced, conservative and physical on offense in 2022.

With less emphasis on the deep passing game, Restrepo should thrive in the middle of the field for Miami. Restrepo showed the ability to make the big play last season with 17 receptions for first downs, 16 of 10 yards or more and eight of 20 plus. Restrepo has quickly become a leader for Miami on and off the field.