The story for the No. 5 Miami Hurricanes has been quarterback Cameron Ward, but wide receiver Xavier Restrepo is writing his own chapter in what is becoming a historic season for college football in South Beach.
A fifth-year senior, Restrepo has benefitted greatly with the arrival of Ward. Not only has he been the team’s most reliable playmaker, but he is also rising up the 2025 NFL Draft board with his awareness as a slot receiver along with his yards after the catch.
A dynamic competitor, this 5-foot-10, 198-pound pass-catcher is as tough as they come and his connection with Ward was on full display in the Miami’s comeback win over the Duke Blue Devils in Week 10.
Xavier Restrepo showcases his breakaway ability as a slot receiver
In combining for a historic performance in the 53-31 win at Hard Rock Stadium, the chemistry between Restrepo and Ward shined on this 66-yard touchdown connection that put the Hurricanes up 46-31 with just over seven minutes left in the fourth quarter:
XAVIER RESTREPO WITH A RECORD-BREAKING PLAY ‼️ pic.twitter.com/eIVGm1GtAK
— ESPN (@espn) November 2, 2024
With the touchdown pass, Ward tied Steve Walsh’s record (29) for the most passing touchdowns in a season by a Hurricanes quarterback. The electrifying play was also Restrepo’s 182nd career reception also tying a Hurricanes record. On this play, the skillset of Restrepo was on display with his ability to find a spot in the zone, make a catch in traffic and then take it to the house. Restrepo finished the game with 8 receptions for 146 yards and three touchdowns.
2025 NFL Draft: 3 teams that should have Xavier Restrepo high on their list
At the wide receiver position, players like Tetairoa McMillian, Emeka Egbuka, Isaiah Bond and Luther Burden III will garner most of the attention heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, but a player like Restrepo could help boost any NFL offense with what he brings at the slot position. He would be awesome for any team with a young quarterback in need of reliable playmakers around him.
New England Patriots: This isn’t Tom Brady’s Patriots anymore, but what has been missing in the offense since the retirement of Julian Edelman is that slot receiver. Yes, the Patriots need to get Drake Maye a No. 1 type outside receiver, but a player like Restrepo would give him a natural leader as a playmaker and the type of receiver who will find ways to get open which would give Maye a quick outlet to get the ball to. In all, a player who will remind Patriots fans of Edelman, Troy Brown and Wes Welker due to his size and playmaking skill from the slot.
Denver Broncos: When thinking about the quick pass, it’s tough to ignore how good Restrepo could be in Sean Payton’s offensive scheme in Denver. The Broncos have a young QB in Bo Nix who has been finding his way in his rookie season but give him a quick target from the slot in a player like Restrepo and Payton’s offense could be hard to stop if they can find a way to keep Courtland Sutton and players like Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims Jr. continue to ascend.
Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals will probably need to replace Tee Higgins in the offseason. One way to do that is to find another type of playmaker like a Restrepo who would give Joe Burrow a quick target from the slot. Cincinnati will still have Ja’Marr Chase and 2024 third round pick Jermaine Burton who will be counted on to step up in place of Higgins. In adding a player like Restrepo, Burrow will have a player who will work the underneath and create yards after the catch. In all, the type of playmaker who could make Burrow even more effective.