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Each of the recent recruiting classes have had an alpha, a leader who recruits other local talents from South Florida to join them in Miami. If you had to name one guy from last year’s class who embodied that role, you would have to say Xavier Restrepo. He played a large part in getting his high school teammate Jaylan Knighton to commit to The U. Fellow freshman Don Chaney Jr. says that Restrepo texts him daily, motivating him and other incoming freshmen. Being a Came was a lifelong dream for Restrepo, so getting an offer from the team he had grown up watching was a dream come true.
Played in Florida, stayed in Florida. @XavierRestrepo1 is officially a Cane! #Category20 | NSD20 pic.twitter.com/h52UdkfjI4
— Canes Football (@CanesFootball) December 18, 2019
The Deerfield Beach product was considered an underrated prospect out of high school. The 247Sports Composite rankings rated Restrepo as a 3-star prospect, the #36 ATH nationally in this class, #84 in the State of Florida, and #621 recruit overall.
20-yard TD catch by #DeerfieldBeach HS (FL) & #Miami #Hurricanes commit 2020 ATH Xavier Restrepo (@XavierRestrepo1) from #Tulane #GreenWave commit 2020 QB Michael Pratt (@michaelpratt930) vs #BocaRaton pic.twitter.com/3XqT2xGPm7
— IG: @SleeperAthletes (@SleeperAth1etes) September 28, 2019
During his time at Deerfield Beach and St. Thomas Aquinas, Restrepo showcased his playmaking abilities, be it on the ground, making catches, or returning kickoffs and punts. He totaled over 3,000 receiving yards, 2,500 rushing yards, and 48 touchdowns
Deerfield athlete Xavier Restrepo takes the opening kickoff to the house but it’s coming back on a penalty. Gardens catches an early break. pic.twitter.com/f7DyA09Xac
— Adam Lichtenstein (@ABLichtenstein) November 9, 2019
in his high school career for the Bucks and Raiders.
Restrepo committed to Miami over offers from Kentucky, Boston College, and Air Force from his list of 23 scholarship offers.
Restrepo really made a name for himself in camps and the 7v7 circuit. His performance garnered praise for his speed, quickness, and route running savvy.
At The Opening Finals in 2019, Restrepo clocked in an impressive 4.58 40-yard dash. His vertical measured at 32.5 inches.
Despite playing both ways during his senior season, Restrepo’s position at Miami has been solidified. Restrepo is going to be a slot receiver for the Canes.
Restrepo could very well make an impact as early as this upcoming season. Many expect him to follow the the same path as a former Cane slot wide receiver, Braxton Berrios. Xavier should have a role on kick returns or punt returns, and might earn his way onto the field early just like Berrios did.
Restrepo is definitely a freshman to keep an eye on as he could make an immediate impact in Coral Gables, both on and off the field.