Miami football returns most productive WR trio in ACC
Houston transfer Sam Brown, Jacolby George, and Xavier Restrepo are the only trio of wide receivers in the ACC who each had 800 yards receiving in 2023. With Brown, George and Restrepo catching passes from quarterback Cam Ward and running back Damien Martinez, Miami projects to have a prolific offense in 2024.
Brown had 62 receptions for 815 yards and three touchdowns for Houston in 2023. George was second on Miami with 57 receptions for 864 yards and led the Hurricanes with eight TDs in 2023. Restrepo set the single season Miami record with 85 receptions for 1,092 yards and six TDs in 2023.
Brown will provide Miami with another talk WR who can stretch the field. Brown was a clutch receiver with 33 receptions for first downs, 20 catches for at least 25 yards and seven of 25 or more yards. George had 33 receptions for first downs, 18 for 15 or more yards and 12 or 25 or more in 2023.
Restrepo had 52 receptions for first downs in 2023, 32 for 15 or more yards and 10 for 25 or more. Brown and George project to be the big-play receivers downfield for Miami in 2024, with Restrepo working the middle of the field out of the slot. Isaiah Horton and JoJo Trader are projected as the primary backups at WR.
Houston transfer WR Sam Brown, the Canes' 4th portal commitment in 24 hours, solidifies a WR room that looks very solid. Restrepo, Jacolby George, now Brown, Horton, Jojo Trader, Ny Carr, Joseph, Washington etc. Canes offense should be in good shape.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) April 28, 2024
Horton had 13 receptions for 168 yards and one TD in 2023. Before Miami added Brown, Horton was projected as the third starting WR for Miami. At 6'4, Horton is the tallest WR on the Miami roster. Brown, George and Restrepo will receive the vast majority of snaps if they stay healthy.
Sophomore Nathaniel Joseph has a lot of upside behind Restrepo as the starting slot receiver. Expect offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson to create unique opportunities to get Joseph touches. Carr, Chance Robinson and Bobby Washington add depth at WR.
Next. Miami football adds explosive and productive Houston WR Sam Brown. Miami football adds explosive and productive Houston WR Sam Brown. dark
Miami finished 43rd nationally in 2023 averaging 258.0 passing yards per game. With the additions of Brown and Ward plus George and Restrepo returning, Miami should have a prolific passing offense. Martinez provides balance in the running game with Mark Fletcher. Miami should be significantly improved offensively in 2024.