’Canes explore return options in spring
Wide receiver Restrepo makes strides in slot
After struggles in the punt return game last season with muffed punts, fumbles on returns and other mishaps, the Miami Hurricanes are exploring a multitude of options on that front in spring drills.
Transfers in cornerback Tyrique Stevenson (Georgia) and wide receiver Charleston Rambo (Oklahoma), slot receiver Xavier Restrepo and fifth-year receiver Michael Harley have all fielded punts in practice, according to special teams coordinator Jonathan Patke on Tuesday.
“We’re trying to get every guy as many opportunities to catch a live punt in practice and catch it out of the Juggs pre-practice, post-practice, whenever we get to catch balls,” Patke said. “We knew that was an issue. We got to address that issue.”
Stevenson has been solid on punt returns early.
“I like Tyrique back there right now,” Patke said “I think he’s smooth. He’s natural. He’s done it. He did it in the past.”
Restrepo was in and out as the team’s punt returner last season, his first in college, after junior wideout Mark Pope initially failed to secure the ball in that role. Patke called him “a natural punt returner.”
“It’s a constant battle and we’re constantly rolling guys,” he said.
Others that have gotten punt-return attempts in practice include safety Gurvan Hall, cornerback Te’Cory Couch and “all the receivers,” according to Hall.
On kickoff returns, Patke said the Hurricanes are looking for “an electric guy.”
“A little bit different job as far as fielding a kickoff, but still a large job,” he said. “I like Tyrique back there. Harley has been good. I thought he has a natural feel of returning and finding the space.”
Restrepo has also tried out kick returns, along with UM’s two second-year running backs, Jaylan Knighton and Donald Chaney Jr.“I
always say kickoff return is more of an offensive play, reading the play,” Patke said, “so backs are usually good in that situation.”
All Miami return reps in practice are filmed, and coaches analyze how guys catch the ball, how many they put on the ground. The team wants to make decisions on their return men after the conclusion of spring.
Said Restrepo: “As a whole, we just need to get better catching the ball, knowing that our athletic abilities are going to take over as soon as we catch that ball.”
X-factor in the slot
Restrepo’s stat line in Saturday’s spring scrimmage jumped out. He went for nine receptions, 144 yards and two touchdowns, according to coach Manny Diaz.
“Just the coaches giving us the opportunities, calling great plays, and just everybody executing their jobs really well,” Restrepo said on Tuesday of what allowed him to be successful in the scrimmage setting. “Just creating a lot of on 1-on-1 matchups, and just me doing my job, going to make a play.”
Restrepo is largely working in the slot, where he says he benefited much from learning behind another former Broward County high school standout in Michael Harley. Harley is a St. Thomas Aquinas grad while Restrepo played at Monarch and Aquinas before finishing up at Deerfield Beach.
“Last year was definitely like a learning year,” Restrepo said. “I was ready and just sitting behind Mike Harley. It’s just great to see everything that you honestly need in college football, how he attacks the game and just handles different situations.”
The efficient scrimmage performances of quarterbacks Tyler Van Dyke and Jake Garcia also had much to do with Restrepo’s success on Saturday.
“They’re both students of the game, and they know what’s coming pre-play,” Restrepo said. “They put the ball in the air right where it needs to be, and we just make the catches.”