ESPN names Xavier Restrepo top 10 pass-catchers in college football for 2024

After a record-setting 2023 season, Xavier Restrepo was named by ESPN in their"Ranking the top 10 pass-catchers in college football for 2024." The ranking was based on a poll of ESPN reporters ranking the top 10. Players received 10 points for being ranked first down to one for the 10th best receiver.

Restrepo is the leading returning receiver in the ACC for 2024. Entering the 2024 season, Restrepo has a chance to set the Miami career records for receptions and receiving yards. ESPN ranks Restrepo as the best returning receiver in the ACC. 7. Caullin Lacy of Louisville is the only other ACC receiver on the list.

The 2023 breakout season for Restrepo came after he missed five games in 2022 with an injury. Restrepo had more receptions, yards and touchdowns in 2023 than he did in his first three seasons with Miami. With another big season in 2024, Restrepo should push to be an All-American.

Restrepo had five 100-yard games in 2023. After a strong start, Restrepo had a four-game stretch with games under 50 yards receiving before finishing strong in the last three games. If Restrepo is more consistent in 2024, he can break single-season Miami records for receptions and receiving yards.

"6. Xavier Restrepo, Miami
2023 stats: 85 receptions, 1,092 yards, 12.8-yard average, 6 TDs
Points: 28
Restrepo had three relatively quiet seasons at Miami before 2023, when he turned in one of the best years by a receiver in school history. The South Florida native set a school record with 85 catches, becoming just the sixth Hurricanes receiver ever to break the 1,000-yard mark in a season (1,092). A first-team All-ACC selection, Restrepo was at his best in a loss to Louisville, when he caught eight passes for 193 yards with a touchdown late in the year.

He had a strong connection with quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, but will now be catching passes from former Washington State QB Cam Ward, who briefly announced he would enter the NFL draft before reversing course and transferring to Miami. -- Bonagura"

- Kyle Bonagura, ESPN

Restrepo and Ward have been named one of the best duos entering the 2024 season. With Miami's second leading receiver Jacolby George also returning in 2024, the Hurricanes should have a significantly improved and more consistent pass offense this season. Ward leads all college football returnees with 311.1 passing yards per game in 2023.

The ability for Ward to improvise when a play breaks down should benefit Restrepo's skill to get open in the middle of the field. Restrepo and Ward building a connection will be critical for the Miami offense this season. This is an important spring for Miami. The Hurricanes return three starters on offense.