As Pro Football Focus slowly unveils its Top 101 2024 players this week, Miami running back Damien Martinez and wide receiver Xavier Restrepo were named among the best performers this season between 41-60. Martinez and Restrepo are the first 2024 Miami players ranked in the top 100.
PFF unveiled the numbers 101 through 81st best players on Monday, Tuesday was 80 through 61 and Wednesday 60 through 41. On Thursday the 40th through 11th best players will be unveiled through Friday until the top 10 is released. Miami quarterback Cam Ward will obviously be on the list.
Restrepo followed up his breakout and record-setting 2023 season by setting Miami career standards for receptions and receiving yards. In 2024, Restrepo had 69 receptions for a career-high 1,127 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. Restrepo finished his Miami career with 200 receptions for 2,844 receiving yards and 23 TDs.
Restrepo graded as the 45th best PFF player in 2024 is close to his spot on the 2025 NFL Draft Big Board at 49th. As a three-star prospect, Restrepo was not close to being projected as a future selection in the NFL Draft. Now Restrepo is projected to be drafted in the middle of the second round.
Miami WR Xavier Restrepo had a STRONG showing at the Senior Bowl🙌 pic.twitter.com/pwjlRkRybx
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 31, 2025
"45. WR Xavier Restrepo, Miami (FL)Pro Football Focus
Restrepo had an outstanding season...He led the ACC with an 83.5 receiving grade and 1,127 receiving yards. He dropped just two of his 95 targets and set a career-high with 11 touchdowns. Restrepo made his case as arguably the best slot receiver in the country."
Martinez led Miami with 1,002 rushing yards and 10 TDs and contributed 17 receptions for 104 yards in 2024. The 42-41 loss to Iowa State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl was the best game for Martinez with Miami. Martinez had 14 carries for 179 yards and a TD versus Iowa State to top 1,000 yards for the second consecutive year.
"51. RB Damien Martinez, Miami (FL)Pro Football Focus
Often forgotten...is how efficient Martinez was as a runner...(Martinez) posted a 94.3 rushing grade in 2024, third to only Ashton Jeanty and Cam Skattebo among FBS running backs. He averaged 4.5 yards after contact per attempt, which was second among Power Four tailbacks. "
Highest Graded RB Bowl Game Performance This Season:
— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 29, 2024
🙌 Damien Martinez, Miami: 91.8@CanesFootball pic.twitter.com/vRaILZit2x
Martinez finished eighth in the ACC in rushing yards and rushing TDs and sixth averaging 6.3 yards per carry. Led by Martinez, Miami led the ACC averaging 188.92 rushing yards per game 30 TDs on the ground and by averaging 5.67 YPC. At 6'0 and 232 pounds, Martinez provided Miami with a power back.
The production by Martinez and Restrepo with Ward set the foundation for Miami to lead the nation averaging 43.9 points per game and 537.2 yards per game. Martinez was consistent. His only other 100-yard game was 15 carries for 148 yards and two TDs in a 36-14 win over Florida State.
Restrepo had six 100-yard games and finished with 99 on six receptions and a TD in a 50-14 Miami win at South Florida. Miami finished the 2024 season scoring over 60 once, over 50 five times and over 40 eight times. The contributions by Martinez and Restrepo were a huge reason Miami was so prolific offensively.