Xavier

Restrepo

Winning a role on special teams is Restrepo’s ticket to the active roster. The beefy slot receiver could one day earn an offensive role, but for now, establishing himself as a utility player is key. Restrepo delivered middling results, serving as an occasional punt returner during his five-year college career. Overall, he returned 12 punts for 45 yards while forcing eight missed tackles along the way. His 3.8-yard average fails to inspire, but his 0.7 forced missed tackle average is notable.

Restrepo (5’10/209) spent all five years of his collegiate career at Miami. He made a name for himself as a high-volume slot receiver in his final two seasons, hitting 1,092 yards in 2023 and upping the ante with 1,127 yards while catching passes from Cam Ward in 2024. Restrepo is a physical slot receiver who isn’t afraid to corral passes in traffic over the middle of the field. He ran over 90 percent of his career routes from the slot and likely doesn’t have the necessary athleticism to win on the outside in the NFL. Restrepo did not test at the NFL Scouting Combine but ran at Miami’s Pro Day, clocking a time that was, at best, considered in the 4.7s, with some scouts having it much slower. He later took to social media to say his hamstring tightened in warmups. While the ceiling may be limited, Restrepo could develop into a useful WR3 for an NFL team.

Restrepo (5'10/196) performed well during fall camp, and he’s listed third on the Hurricanes depth chart at slot receiver heading into the team’s opener against UAB Thursday night. The freshman won’t be starting, as Mike Harley earned that honor, but based upon Likens’ comments Restrepo should get some chances to make plays. “He’s just a really hard-work guy, no-nonsense dude, tough as nails, really smart, takes great pride in doing everything right,” Likens said. “He’s very similar in Marshall Few in that way. Extremely happy that we have him. He makes our room better. He pays attention to details. Just a great dude.”

Restrepo (5'10/185) plans on lining up other officials during the summer, too, but he is still sorting through what other programs might receive trips. The Fort Lauderdale native has all kinds of shake ‘n’ bake when he gets the ball in his hands and would be a fun player to watch in Purdue’s offense (Kentucky, find yourself a passing game). Rivals ranks Restrepo as the No. 66 wide receiver prospect in the 2020 class.

Restrepo (5'10/186) announced his commitment late Wednesday, one week after he was evaluated in person by Miami OC Dan Enos. The Deerfield Beach HS wideout later received an offer from HC Manny Diaz, and he’s decided to remain in south Florida for his college career. When Restrepo played at St. Thomas Aquinas he says the Miami coaches were recruiting him more as an athlete for the defensive side of the football, but that has changed with more evaluations. He’s the 15th verbal commitment in Miami’s 2020 class to date.