Xavier Restrepo reveals his favorite part of new-look Miami offense

As Miami readies for its season opener tonight, a new-look Miami offense will debut, one receiver Xavier Restrepo is excited to show off.

Offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson has come in and shaken things up, and the Hurricanes expect it to pay immediate dividends on the field. One thing you can definitely look for: more speed.

“He calls us playmakers, you know what I’m saying,” Restrepo said of the receivers. “Not to be robots and go out there making plays. So even if you mess up, at least mess up going fast. He really emphasizes fast, fast, fast.”

Miami’s stagnant offense was a major problem last year as the team finished with a losing record and ranked just 86th in total offense, producing 367.4 total yards per game. To that end, head coach Mario Cristobal decided to fire offensive coordinator Josh Gattis.

In comes Dawson, looking to lead a real turnaround with a new-look Miami offense.

He has earned the players’ trust, if nothing else, heading into the season opener. And that’s usually a good place to start.

“First off, I mean coach Dawson’s such a players’ coach,” Restrepo said. “We just listen to him, we fully trust in him. And when we take the field he has full trust in us. We’re just able to make plays.”

More info on Miami vs. Miami (Ohio)

• Miami opens its second season under the direction of head coach Mario Cristobal on Fri., Sept. 1 against Miami (Ohio). Kickoff for the matchup is slated for a 7 p.m. broadcast on ACC Network.

• Cristobal was named the 26th head coach in the history of the program on December 6, 2021 after spending the previous four years at the helm of the Oregon Ducks. Cristobal is a two-time UM alum.

• Joining Cristobal on the sidelines are seven new faces in full-time assistant coach roles, including both coordinator roles – offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson from the University of Houston and defensive coordinator Lance Guidry from Marshall are both entering their first seasons with Miami.

• The Hurricanes are matching up with the RedHawks for the fourth time in program history; Miami carries a 3-0 mark into Friday’s contest, but has not faced off against Miami (Ohio) since 1987.

• Miami’s game versus the RedHawks is also slated for broadcast on 560 WQAM and WVUM 90.5.