For the 2024 Miami Hurricanes , they have one of the most experienced and statistically impressive groups of wide receivers in college football with two key players leading the way.
Saying a team has talent going by recruiting rankings is a barometer of what’s to come. Seeing the returning production, however, provides further insight into the upcoming college football season. For this reason, the Hurricanes are in a great situation at the wide receiver position.
Here’s a look at Miami’s returning wide receivers and what it means for 2024.
The following statistics are from Miami Athletics.
Xavier Restrepo, 5-foot-10, 198 pounds, Fifth-Year Senior
2023 Statistics : 85 receptions, 1,092 yards, 12.8 average, and 6 touchdowns. Restrepo’s five games of more than 100 yards receiving are impressive; also 96 yards and 2 touchdowns versus North Carolina.
Restrepo’s 2024 Impact : With “X” on the field at slot or flanker, the Miami offense holds an advantage. Defenses must know where he lines up on each play or risk being torched.
He’s a clever route runner with the change-of-direction abilities to run by defensive backs biting on his head fakes and footwork; Restrepo is a consummate workaholic seeking to improve his skill set each day.
Look for offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson to find imaginative ways to not only have quarterback Cam Ward throw him the football but also different formations allowing Restrepo to keep defenses off guard. Look for Miami’s returning leader in receiving yards to have a massive last season to conclude his college career before heading off to the NFL.
Jacolby George, 6-foot, 176 pounds, Senior
2023 Statistics : 57 receptions, 864 yards, 15.2 average, and 8 touchdowns. From a single-game statistical perspective, George’s best performance comes from last season’s Miami at Florida State contest. 5 receptions, 153 yards, and 2 touchdowns are impressive when one considers the Noles possess one of the nation’s best secondaries.
George went over the century mark in the North Carolina game as well, plus 89 yards and a touchdown versus Boston College, 90 yards versus Temple, and 94 yards and 3 touchdowns during the opener against Texas A&M.
George Will Change Games : Ask the 2023 secondary for the Aggies if George is not only fast but also possesses elite quickness to make defenders miss in the open field. George’s dismantling of the A&M secondary is something Canes fans should see more of in 2024.
Look for similar big plays to take place as he’s more familiar with Dawson’s offense and will be receiving passes from one of the nation’s most elusive and dynamic passers in Ward. As with Restrepo, do not be surprised when the Canes find creative ways with where he lines up and the passing concepts that are introduced this fall as well.
Miami is deeper at receiver in 2024 than in 2023. That means George’s total receptions may not go up much if at all. Regardless, expect his yards per catch average, touchdowns, and game-changing plays to increase. George will be one of college football’s best big-play wide receivers.
Part II is coming later today. It will discuss the players competing for the starting boundary position and all the talent UM has coming up the depth chart.
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