Miami Hurricanes freshman WR Xavier Restrepo making impact

Through the first two Miami Hurricanes scrimmages, freshman wide receiver Xavier Restrepo has made an impact and is making a claim for playing time this season.

Freshman wide receiver Xavier Restrepo has been impressive for the Miami Hurricanes through the first two scrimmages. Restrepo stating a claim for a spot in the rotation in the slot behind senior Mike Harley. Restrepo has seven receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown and a 70-yard rushing TD in the two scrimmages.

Harley and juniors Dee Wiggins and Mark Pope are the likely starters in the new up-tempo, spread offense new offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee will run in 2020. Miami will play a lot more receivers this season than they did in the pro-style offense previously utilized by past Miami offensive coordinators.

Restrepo was a three-star signee in the Class of 2020 who could exceed his recruiting ranking as a true freshman. With five receptions for 79 yards and a TD on Saturday, Restrepo was one of two freshmen receivers to contribute. Keyshawn Smith had three receptions for 53 yards and a TD.

Smith is expected to help Miami stretch the field offensively this season with his speed and length. Restrepo could also be a candidate to return kicks in 2020. In high school, Restrepo was a multi-dimensional player who contributed on offense, defense and special teams.

Restrepo and Smith are part of a strong group of WRs Miami signed in the class of 2020. The Hurricanes also signed four-stars Michael Redding III and Daz Worsham. The Miami WRs will have more opportunities in 2020. With Lashlee running an up-tempo offense Miami is expected to average about 15 more plays per game.

Miami is expected to go with a WR by committee approach. Redshirt freshman Jeremiah Payton is also expected to emerge. With not much experience beyond the top three, one of the four freshmen will have a chance for a breakout season. Through the first two scrimmages, Restrepo is showing he should be considered.