Miami Hurricanes Player Profile: Nesta “Jade” Silvera — Who Wants To “Make The Crib Great”

Nesta “Jade” Silvera is a Plantation American Heritage product that may have created the most anticipation regarding his commitment to the Miami Hurricanes than any other member of the Storm 18 class as the only committed member that did not sign in the December signing period. His recruitment was rumored to be shaky at best with the Florida Gators looming. At the end of the day, the cornerstone of Miami’s defensive line class stuck in dramatic fashion on ESPN’s National Signing Day Special with a Chucky doll that broke the internet and his renowned statement to “make the crib great.”

At Heritage, Nesta developed into one of the most sought-after defensive players in the entire country. His offer list featured national title contenders across the nation, including Alabama, Ohio State and Georgia. His team-best 79 tackles (25 for a loss) and 12 sacks as a senior helped lead the Patriots to a second consecutive state championship. In the state final, he recovered a fumble and took it to the house for the touchdown.

American Heritage Head Coach Patrick Surtain has said that Silvera was a little immature early on in his high school career, but he learned to compete and became the defensive anchor for an American Heritage team that is on a 25-game winning streak, largely due to Nesta’s leadership.

Silvera opened up fall camp as a third string defensive lineman behind Illinois transfer Tito Odenigbo and junior Pat Bethel, who was the listed starter at the second DT spot next to Gerald Willis III. It is safe to expect Silvera to play and contribute on the defensive line from day one. He brings an aggressiveness that fits the mold of what Manny Diaz has brought onto his defense.