Starting Miami DT Nesta Silvera announces he’s leaving Hurricanes to enter transfer portal
Some wondered if University of Miami starting defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera would leave the Hurricanes after the 2021 season to enter the NFL Draft.
But Silvera intends to take another route upon leaving the Canes.
On Wednesday night, the 6-2, 306-pound fourth-year junior announced in a long post on Twitter that he will enter the transfer portal.
“Not one person on earth can change what God got planned for you so I just want to thank him,’’ Silvera began his social media announcement. “I want to thank the University of Miami for allowing me to play football at this prestigious university. It was a dream come true and I’ll never forget those moments out on Greentree or at Hard Rock. Nobody can take those moments away.”
Silvera, a four-star prospect when he graduated from Plantation American Heritage, chose Miami over offers from schools that included Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, Florida, Ohio State, Penn State and Auburn. He ended the 2021 season with 38 tackles in 11 games, eight of them starts. He had 5 1/2 tackles for loss, one quarterback hurry and a forced fumble.
Rising sophomore Leonard Taylor, a former five-star prospect who played in the last nine games and garnered 21 tackles, 7 1/2 tackles for loss, two sacks and a pass breakup, will vie for a starting spot with rising fourth-year redshirt sophomore Jared Harrison-Hunte (18 tackles, 6 1/2 tackles for loss, two sacks, one pass breakup, four quarterback hurries), who started eight games this past season; and fifth-year redshirt junior Jordan Miller (19 tackles, 4 1/2 tackles for loss, 1 1/2 sacks, one fumble recovery.
Also expected to soon be added to the roster: Southern Cal defensive tackle Jacob Lichtenstein, a Weston Cypress Bay High alum who had 28 tackles, six tackles for loss and four sacks in 2021. The 6-6, 270-pound lineman announced on Dec. 17 that he is transferring to Miami. He has two years of eligibility remaining.
In 2020, Silvera started 10 games and played in all 11, earning All-ACC honorable mention. He led all interior linemen in total tackles with 35 and tackles for loss with eight. He added a sack, forced fumble and pass breakup, and led the Canes with five quarterback hurries.
Silvera missed the first four games of his second season after undergoing foot surgery, totaling 19 tackles and one sack.
And as a true freshman, Silvera played in 10 games and finshed with 13 tackles (1 1/2 for loss) and a blacked punt.
“I wanna thank every coach every trainer and every fan for the support and love over the years. I wanna give a special thanks to coach Todd Stroud. You were with me every step of the way here and I appreicate you for that for life!
“To my brothers it’s been a hell of a ride. I love Y’all and I love this U which made this decision extremely hard. Through the ups and downs I always had my brothers in that locker room. I know Y’all gonna take care of business in 2022.
“It’s with a very heavy heart and a bunch of sleepless nights that I have decided to enter the TRANSFER PORTAL. I love the crib but it’s time to do what’s best for me.
“Much love and respect
“Hardbody 400.’’
This story was originally published January 5, 2022 at 9:55 PM.
