Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Xavier Restrepo working on speed
Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Xavier Restrepo is working on his speed in a tweet posted on Wednesday. Restrepo leads the returning Miami receivers with 373 yards and is third with 24 receptions and two touchdowns. With Mike Harley graduating, Restrepo is the projected starting slot receiver.
According to Pro Football Focus via David Lake of Inside the U, Restrepo had the 10th best grade among Miami Hurricanes in 2021. PFF gave Restrepo a 72.1 grade in 2021 on 298 snaps. Restrepo was targeted 35 times in 2021 averaging 5.7 yards after the reception. Restrepo should be Miami’s most clutch receiver in 2022.
In 2021, Restrepo had 17 first down receptions, 11 catches of 15 or more yards and four of 25 yards or more. Restrepo was a more productive receiver in the first half than the second half. Restrepo had 10 receptions for 126 yards and a TD in the first half of games in 2021. In the second half, Restrepo had 14 for 247 and one TD.
Restrepo has often been compared to former Miami slot receiver Braxton Berrios who led Miami in receptions, receiving yards and TDs in 2017. Rivals.Com evaluated Restrepo when he signed with Miami saying “he separates with ease and has great change of direction.” Restrepo ran a 4.58 40 yard dash coming out of high school.
Restrepo “also recorded a 4.16 shuttle time, and a 32.5 inch vertical.” The speed numbers Restrepo recorded for a player primarily known more for quickness than speed are strong in the slot. Sophomore Breshard Smith who ran a sub 4.5 40 in high school is expected to backup Restrepo in 2022.
Smith frequently showed his speed in 2021 with a pair of 75 yard TD receptions. Miami could use Restrepo and Smith on the field at the same time in 2022. Expect new Miami offensive coordinator Josh Gattis to have a diverse and versatile Miami offense. Smith had six carries and 14 receptions for 222 total yards in 2021.
After having an impact in a reserve role in 2021, Restrepo has a chance for a breakout season in 2022. Restrepo showed the ability to move the chains in 2021. In 2022 Restrepo should be ready to step into a leadership role for the Miami Hurricanes on and off the field. Miami will be strong at WR in 2022.