Camp starts tomorrow, so we’re breaking down the depth chart for each position group. We’ve already done quarterback and running back. Next up is wide receiver:
THE TOP FOUR
Xavier Restrepo
The kid who didn’t even rank as a Top 3 WR in Miami’s own signing class is now a consensus Top 10 WR in the nation. After an injury-marred 2022, Restrepo took his game to a new level with 85 catches, 1,092 yards and 6 TDs. He played most of the season in the 210+-pound range and brought a RB-type approach to the slot receiver position. While some argued he was the product of favoritism by his roommate Tyler Van Dyke, Jacurri Brown came in and immediately targeted Restrepo 17 times in the Pinstripe Bowl. Cam Ward continued to feed him all spring.
The next step for Restrepo is becoming more effective in the redzone and improving his punt returning- a must if he hopes to have a long NFL career.
Jacolby George
There’s a reason Ward focused so much on George at ACC Media Day. The mercurial receiver has true impact ability (57 catches, 864 yards, 8 TDs) but sometimes needs to be pushed (see the Pinstripe Bowl). His ability to track the ball deep pairs perfectly with Ward’s ability to throw 50/50 balls. No other player on the roster has George’s natural receiving ability, which is why he is one of the make-or-break players for this offense.
Sam Brown
Multiple scouts have identified Brown as a Top 100 prospect in the NFL Draft. It’s easy to see why- he’s 6’2, 195-pounds with verified 4.4 speed and explosive bounce as a former long jumper (PR of 23-7). Brown was one of the leading receivers in the Big 12 last year with inconsistent QB play and brings much-needed Run After Catch ability to the WR corps. With Colbie Young off to Georgia, can Brown also help fill the void as a contested catcher?
Isaiah Horton
When I first got to practice this spring, I asked about the WR with the NFL frame wearing #2. It was Horton, sporting a new number and reshaped physique. Ward called Horton the “breakout player of the spring” and repeatedly went to him on posts and crossing routes. The same question we asked about Brown applies to Horton- can he use his big body to win contested catches and replace Colbie Young?
THE NEXT MEN UP
RayRay Joseph
Joseph is part of a cluster of young players battling for playing time. He brings a tremendous IQ along with dynamic ability with the ball in his hands. A former RB, he has been working very hard on his hands but still has room to improve as a pure receiver. He is a natural fit to replace some of Breshard Smith’s production as a returner and runner.
x.com
x.com
Robbie Washington
Several people (including myself) feel that Washington has elite upside as a CB. He must not agree, because after playing some snaps there early in spring he had some of his best practices as WR. Washington, like Joseph, brings RB ability to the WR room but has even more pure speed. The key with him is consistency.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15027968/634206710c5de40920a419d2
JoJo Trader
College weight programs benefit some players more than others. Like many South Florida prospects, Trader was physically underdeveloped in high school. He has made huge gains since arriving at Miami and is now more forceful and explosive in his movements. He was already fluid with exceptional body control, as he showed consistently in spring. Trader got reps with the 1s in the spring game and is trending towards a role with the offense.
https://x.com/365canesinfo/status/1798407180263293240
Ny Carr
Carr is another guy who has gotten consistent buzz from spring through the summer. Production is predictive at WR, and Carr put 1,261 yards and 21 TDs as a senior against good Georgia competition. On Greentree, he’s made plays short, long, after the catch, in traffic and in the air. Some guys just have a knack for the position. Carr may be one of those.
https://x.com/JMP1063/status/1779678197409341938
Shemar Kirk
This is one of the more interesting players in camp. The JUCO product consistently made huge plays in team drills and scrimmages, but it was usually against the second and third teams. Can he take that next step and compete with the elite recruits at the position?
https://x.com/83_87_89_91_01/status/1775244812582883698
Chance Robinson
Robinson is the only name on this list we haven’t seen on Greentree. A summer enrollee, Robinson already looks the part of an upperclassman physically. His high school tape shows a polished, powerful receiver who knows how to use his body. There is a role for this player type if he can translate his game to the next level.
https://x.com/GabyUrrutia247/status/1707926350521065764
TO BE DETERMINED
Mike Redding
A recipient of the prestigious Iron Arrow, Redding is the consummate student-athlete. Injuries and inconsistency have limited his impact on the field. It's unclear what the future holds for Redding, but he still has physical and mental tools.
https://x.com/CanesFootball/status/1775879640516620398
CONCLUSION
This position is as healthy as it’s been in years, with three of the most productive receivers in the ACC and an athletically gifted group of young players. The missing piece is a true #1, X receiver who can dominate with the ball in the air. But the Canes have a quarterback who will find the open man, and he will have plenty of good options.
