/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65273586/1075444418.jpg.0.jpg)
Wednesday practice for the Hurricanes and there was a glorious sighting, Nesta Jade Silvera was there and participating. This was the first time we’ve seen #1 on the field since the sophomore defensive tackle suffered an injury to his right foot early in fall camp.
Nesta Silvera and Patrick Joyner both on the field today as well. #Canes
— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) September 18, 2019
One of the stars of the 2018 recruiting class along with Brevin Jordan and Lorenzo Lingard, Silvera was expected to make a big jump in his second year especially after Miami lost Gerald Willis to the NFL. Nesta was ranked as the number two defensive tackle in his recruiting class.
Nesta Jade Silvera relentless for the TFL, but Bradley Jennings is down after the play. pic.twitter.com/9QXNgwZbCR
— David Wilson (@DBWilson2) April 13, 2019
Silvera had a solid spring and offseason after playing in 10 games as a freshman in 2018. Last year, Nesta finished with 13 tackles and 1.5 TFLs. He also blocked a punt against Savannah State.
Miami (Fla.) DT Nesta Silvera (#1) vs. Savannah State (09/08/18). #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/SZKvwXguca
— PFDZ (@PFDZ44) July 29, 2019
The main thing that sticks out about Silvera’s game, as you can see in the video below, is his incredible athleticism and quickness for his size. For a guy that’s over 300 pounds, the speed that he possesses is something that Miami will be glad to have on the defensive line.
Pursuit drills. Look at Nesta Jade Silvera @NJS_ERA hustle 30-35 yards down the field from the interior of the defensive line. pic.twitter.com/WKPegXHdie
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) July 27, 2019
The American Heritage product is going to join a solid defensive tackle rotation that already has Pat Bethel, Jonathan Ford, Jordan Miller and transfer Chigozie Nnoruka. Defensive line coach Todd Stroud has also been impressed with true freshman DT’s Jalar Holley, Jared Harrison-Hunte and Jason Blissett Jr.
DL coach Todd Stroud says the 3 freshman DT's (Hunte, Blissett and Holley) are the best freshman he's ever seen at defensive tackle. Folks, this DL is going to be a force for years to come at Miami
— Still Optimistic Canes Fan (@hurricanesmarsh) August 13, 2019
Miami’s defense will surely benefit from Silvera when it comes to pass rushing, which the Canes are currently struggling with. In 2018, UM was 13th in the country with sacks, but are now 76th so far this season. Though, Miami has done well against the run, which is something they had trouble with last season, ranking eighth at the moment through three games in 2019.
Coach Manny Diaz is hopeful that Silvera will be able to return in the next several weeks, and possibly when the Virginia Tech Hokies come to Miami on October 5th, or perhaps the next week against UVA.