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Miami football battle for three through five in WR rotation

With Jacolby George and Xavier Restrepo returning as the top two receivers, the competition this spring and into August training camp will be for the third starter behind them.

By Alan Rubenstein

Dec 28, 2023; Bronx, NY, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Isaiah Horton (16) reacts during the
Dec 28, 2023; Bronx, NY, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Isaiah Horton (16) reacts during the / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
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Xavier Restrepo had a record-setting season in 2023 with a Miami football record of 85 receptions and becoming the sixth Hurricane to record at least 1,000 receiving yards in a season. George had a breakout season with 57 receptions for 864 yards and eight touchdowns in 2023.

The transfer of Colbie Young to Georgia opened up the third starting wide receiver for Miami in 2024. Junior Isaiah Horton is the projected starting WR for Miami in 2024. Several players are challenging Horton to be a starter or at least earn snaps as the fourth and fifth WRs behind Restrepo, Horton and George in the rotation.

The Miami freshmen and sophomore WRs were reportedly impressive during the first week of spring practice before going on spring break. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported that freshman JoJo Trader beat Hurricanes' starting cornerback Darryl Porter Jr. and others on long passing plays.

Restrepo praised Trader saying he's doing exactly what he thought he would do, make plays. Trader had 50 receptions for 782 yards and eight TDs last season for Chaminade-Madonna. Trader has to become Miami's most impactful freshman WR since Ahmmon Richards in 2016.

With George and Restrepo returning, Trader likely will not put up the numbers Richards did as a freshman, but he could have an impact as a big-play receiver. Sophomore WR Nathaniel Joseph was also impressive during the first week of spring practice. Brian Smith of All Hurricanes stated Joseph was the MVP during the first day of practice.

With Brashard Smith transferring to SMU, expect Joseph to receive a lot of snaps as the slot receiver behind Restrepo. Joseph could inherit the punt and kick return duties from Smith. Canes County ranked Robby Washington as the fifth-best Miami WR entering spring practice behind Restrepo, George, Horton and Joseph.

Next. Miami offensive early enrollees spring expectations. Miami offensive early enrollees spring expectations. dark

Ny Carr is another early enrollee at WR who 247Sports Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins called a "pretty dynamic route runner." Carr is 6'0 and 175 pounds and ran track in high school. Trader was the 14th-ranked WR in the 2024 class by 247Sports, and Carr is 14th. Miami should have more talent and depth at WR in 2024.

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