“Touchdown, Xavier Restrepo.”
Miami followers have in all probability heard that phrase usually by now. When it involves embodying what it means to be a Hurricane, few gamers match the mildew higher than Restrepo. Though he stands simply 5 toes 10 inches, his relentless presence on the sector is unimaginable to overlook.
Restrepo has dominated to this point within the first three video games of the faculty soccer season. In his first matchup in opposition to The University of Florida, he had seven receptions for 112 yards, together with a landing and two spotlight reel performs.
On an errant throw by quarterback Cam Ward, Restrepo reached throughout his physique and behind him to make a spectacular catch. Later within the recreation, on a brief go by Ward, Restrepo carried out a spin transfer juke on two Florida defenders, selecting up additional yards to set Miami up in scoring place.
Whether it’s dazzling the group with unimaginable catches or carving up defenses with exact route working, Restrepo’s work ethic is second to none. From returning kicks as a freshman to rising because the staff’s prime wideout in his fifth yr, Restrepo has excelled in quite a few roles in his time with the Hurricanes.
In UM’s Week 2 residence recreation in opposition to Florida A&M University, Restrepo picked up 104 receiving yards on simply 4 receptions, averaging 26 yards a catch. He additionally had a 50-yard landing. This wasn’t any odd recreation for Restrepo, as he moved up the Hurricanes’ all-time receiving yards checklist and is now tenth all time with 1,980 yards after his two-touchdown efficiency in opposition to Ball State.
“It means a lot, you know, but honestly, the only thing that matters right now is that we went 1-0 this week. I’m just super excited to take the field with my guys every single week,” Restrepo mentioned to reporters after Miami’s win over FAMU about his progress up the profession all-time receiving yards checklist. “We put in the hard work Monday through Friday again to have an opportunity like this. It’s all God.”
Restrepo’s rise didn’t occur in a single day. As a three-star recruit, based on ESPN, from Deerfield Beach, Florida, he put up unimaginable numbers in highschool: 3,000 receiving yards, 2,500 speeding yards, together with 48 touchdowns, based on Miami Athletics. He led Deerfield Beach High to the semifinals of the 2019 Florida Class 8A state playoffs. However, his highschool success didn’t instantly translate to varsity.
In the shortened 2020 season, Restrepo didn't see that a lot time on the sector. Appearing in seven video games, he caught only one go for 12 yards.
In 2021, he emerged as one of many prime receivers for the staff, totaling 24 catches for 373 receiving yards. He completed the season fourth on the staff in receiving yards and fifth in receptions. Restrepo regarded to hold his excellent season into 2022, however a season-ending foot harm sidelined him for a lot of the yr, leaving the Hurricanes with out considered one of their most dependable targets.
“He’s pretty much good at everything he does,” former UM quarterback Tyler Van Dyke told reporters about Restrepo in 2022. “He’s just a hard worker, and on the field, he knows the defense. He always finds those holes and finds those windows for me. It’s really helpful.”
Restrepo noticed a rise in alternatives in 2023 and delivered one of the crucial illustrious seasons by a large receiver in program historical past, beginning all 13 video games and incomes All-ACC First Team honors.
He set this system single-season report with 85 catches and recorded 1,092 yards and 6 touchdowns. Restrepo had the sixth 1,000-yard season by a pass-catcher in program historical past and had 5 100-yard video games over the course of the season.
Not solely has Restrepo made an ideal impression on the sector, he has additionally prioritized giving again to the South Florida group. The previous two seasons, Restrepo and his household have been holding youth soccer camps the place they train younger athletes place particular drills and abilities challenges facilitated by teammates, coaches and mentors all through Restrepo’s childhood.
“I would give back any moment and opportunity I can,” Restrepo said to New Era Prep. “I’ll never forget where I’m from, this community raised me, loyalty is everything to me. Giving back to the kids means the world to me. I’m a firm believer in Christ. Every time he gives me the opportunity to reach the younger generations that look up to me, I’ll never turn it down.”
As Miami continues its win streak to start out the season, Restrepo has the possibility to place up historic numbers for his staff and do what he got down to do when he grew to become a Hurricane — convey a nationwide championship again residence.
