Xavier Restrepo Predicts the Miami Hurricanes' Next Star Receiver

In stating how he and Joseph spent most of their time together over the past two years with Joseph soaking in everything Restrepo has had to offer, Miami’s all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns expects Joseph to "go crazy" as he did in Miami's 2023 spring game when he led the team with 110 receiving yards.

Joseph, who has been compared to Ray Ray McCould III, was a consensus four-star prospect by recruiting services. Originally committed to Dabo Swinney at Clemson in 2021 before flipping his allegiance to Miami in June 2022, Joseph is entering his third year at Miami.

The local product from Miami Edison Senior High has spent most of his time on special teams as a return specialist during his first two seasons as a Cane. On the receiving front, the shifty slot receiver has 12 career receptions totaling 110 receiving yards. The main reason for Joseph's limited production was understandable; Miami reaped the benefits from Restrepo's banner seasons in 2023 and 2024.

In 13 games as a fourth-year junior, Restrepo eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark and hauled in 85 catches, six of which went for touchdowns. Last season in 2024, his receptions total decreased, but he saw an increase in receiving yardage (1,127), yards per catch average (16.3), and touchdown receptions (11).

If Joseph can replicate Restrepo's ability to be effective against zone defenses and utilize his leverage to release against press coverages, expect the slot position to be productive for Miami in 2025.

Xavier Restrepo posed many problems for was for opposing defenses, but he was never viewed as the type of player who threatened secondaries with his speed. Aside from on-field experience, Joseph separates himself from Restrepo with his speed and ability in the open field, which will bring an added dimension to the "Y" receiver position that Restrepo did not.

Restrepo also noted that incoming true freshman Malachi Toney is a name to follow as a potential breakout in the slot. Toney, who would be entering his senior season in high school, instead reclassified to be part of Miami's 2025 signing class. An explosive playmaker with the ball in his hands, Toney won the Florida Mr. Football Award as a junior in 2024. The honor is awarded to the top high school football player in the state of Florida.