Mario Cristobal cites system change for Xavier Restrepo's improvement

The Miami offense looks completely different than the one that struggled last season and receiver Xavier Restrepo is a big part of the improvement.

The junior caught six passes for 120 yards on Thursday against Bethune-Cookman. Through three games, he has 17 catches for 314 yards. That includes back-to-back 100-yard games against Texas A&M and the Wildcats.

Miami head coach Mario Cristobal spoke following Thursday night’s win about Restrepo’s emergence. Restrepo appeared in only seven games last season due to injuries and managed 21 catches for 240 yards, which he has already eclipsed in three games this year.

“It’s a different system. Certainly he was a guy that when he went down it was ‘oof.’ That was a rough one,” Cristobal said of the injury last year. “He has a lot of value in so many different ways — as a person, as a leader, as a teammate. What he does down on the field in terms of finding space, in terms of making the tough, contested catch, yards after the catch, physical, blocking.”

Cristobal gives new offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson a lot of credit for Restrepo’s improved play, as well as the improved play of the Miami offense in general.

The Hurricanes are 3-0 to start the season, after going 5-7 in 2022. They are ranked No. 18 nationally in scoring at 44.7 points per game, after averaging 23.6 points per game in 2022.

Xavier Restrepo is now healthy, playing well and an impact player for a really good Miami team.

“He’s playing at a really high level and he’s a valuable member of the team, a valuable member of the leadership counsel,” Cristobal said. “So another great game by him.”

Xavier Restrepo opens up on his success following injuries last season

In addition to Mario Cristobal, Xavier Restrepo himself spoke about his improved play and what it’s been like getting off to a 3-0 start.

“I don’t pay too much attention to the standings, but it’s a great feeling to go out there with my teammates,” Restrepo said. “After all the hard work we put (in) since January just finally be able to execute against another team. I feel like the grass the guys attacked again today really well. I felt like we had a good performance.”

Restrepo had six catches for 120 yards against the Wildcats after having six receptions for 126 yards versus Texas A&M.

He is now third in the country in receiving yards on the season with 314, although he has played in three games, while most other players have played in two.

He gave credit to new offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson for how he got the team ready for the season.

“I mean I’m not really too much focused on last season, but Coach Dawson is doing a great job with the game plan,” Restrepo said. “Receivers are just executing. O-lines executing, running backs. Everyone’s just hitting right now. It’s Coach Dawson’s game plan so whatever he asks me to do, I do.”