Countdown to Canes Football: No. 4 Xavier Restrepo
The impact of today’s player being profiled, on and off the gridiron, should be considered immense. A leader by example and with communication among his teammates, today’s player has a chance to be one of college football’s best slot receivers.
Who’s been discussed before today? Full Countdown to Canes Football List
Xavier Restrepo
Size: 5-foot-10, 195 pounds
Class: Redshirt-Junior
Position: Slot Receiver
Recruitment and Background
From the class of 2020, Restrepo was a 3-star recruit from the 247 composite. He was offered by several programs like Georgia, Pittsburgh, Kentucky, Michigan, and Texas, but he wanted to be a Cane. He made his pledge to Miami on May 22, 2019.
Coming from Deerfield Beach (Fla.) High School, he’s the type of South Florida recruit that Miami has long since relied upon to win championships. Restrepo’s effort and grit were evident at the prep level, and it’s carried over to his time in Coral Gables as well.
2021 Statistics (12 Games)
Receptions: 24
Yards: 373
Average: 15.5
Touchdowns: 2
2022 Statistics (7 Games)
Receptions: 21
Yards: 240
Average: 11.3
Touchdowns: 2
What Restrepo Does Best?
There are multiple ways to look at this. For one, he has shown a penchant for making plays. It’s not just that Restrepo catches the football either. He has been a willing blocker during running plays and screens, as well as gaining extra yards after he catches the football by grinding out yards after contact.
Those would be infectious qualities that the Miami football program needs even more moving forward.
Third Downs
This season, look for Restrepo to be the money man for signal caller Tyler Van Dyke. Restrepo will be single covered more often than not, and he’s not going to be out worked. Whether zone or man, he’s going to find a way to get to open grass and catch the football.
Of all the statistics one could watch with Restrepo, this could be the most important in 2023. Keep that in mind.
Leadership
All of Restrepo’s abilities combined, this one would be a big reason why he’s been placed in the No. 4 slot for Countdown to Canes Football. This season there will be moments that other Miami players will rely on his knowledge. The Canes will win more games because of it.
Stretching The Field
Yes, he’s often worked underneath routes. With a vastly improved offensive line protecting Van Dyke, expect Restrepo to catch more passes down the football field. He has the speed and quickness to make it happen.
With that, he should help change games and keep teams from consistently rolling coverage to fellow Miami wide receiver Colbie Young.
2023 Projection
Restrepo should surpass 50 receptions and be a key member of the offense. When he’s directly involved with the passing game, Miami will be better. Look for him to be on some highlight reels with blocks as well. Plus, it would not be shocking if he returned a punt for a score. Restrepo is more than capable.
Flat out, he has to be considered one of Miami’s most important players. Restrepo will be the heart soul of the offense and the Canes football schedule will end with more "Ws" because of him being on the field.
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