Miami Hurricanes National Signing Day: DT Nesta Silvera

Silvera also picked up some awards his last year at American Heritage. While helping his school capture a 5A state championship, USA Today named Silvera, Florida’s Defensive Player of the Year. He also participated in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

There is a high probability that Silvera will be a part of the rotation at defensive tackle this season. Miller is a strong candidate to redshirt this season. He did not play against a high level of competition in high school. Miller’s stock skyrocketed late though.

Defensive tackle Gerald Willis returns after sitting out last season for personal reasons. He is close to a lock to start at one tackle spot in Manny Diaz’s 4-3 defense. The other starting spot at defensive tackle is likely to come down rising Sophomore Jon Ford and rising Junior Pat Bethel.

Bethel had the much better season in 2017.  He backed up Kendrick Norton and R.J. McIntosh with Anthony Moten. Bethel recorded 18 tackles and one sack on the season. Ford only had one assist in 2017. The Hurricanes coaching staff was high on Ford when he signed in 2017. Miami also has Tyreic Martin on the roster and will add Graduate Transfer Tito Odenigbo from Illinois.

While a lot of the focus on the announcements of the day were on Campbell and Surtain landing Silvera was far more important. The losses of McIntosh and Norton to the NFL a year early severely depleted the depth at defensive tackle.

Next: Rebuilding DL will be Miami Hurricanes top offseason priority

The secondary should be fine. Miami has a decent group returning in the secondary. The defensive backs the Hurricanes have signed is among the best group in the nation at that position.