Take a look back at Nebraska's defensive line during the 2021 season.
LINCOLN — Nebraska would like to add one more defensive lineman to its roster, and one potential target is among the top transfer prospects still available.
Nesta Jade Silvera, who racked up 105 tackles and 16 tackles for loss in four seasons at Miami, opted for the transfer portal instead of the 2022 NFL draft. NU is one of Silvera’s potential destinations. The 6-foot-2, 306-pounder could be a one-year replacement for Damion Daniels, who declared for the NFL draft in early December.
Silvera is a graduate of prep football powerhouse American Heritage and was a top-100 prospect in the 2018 class. He made waves when he committed to Miami by calling it “the crib.” He referenced that line again when he left Miami last week.
“I love the crib, but it’s time to do what’s best for me,” Silvera said on Twitter. A call to Silvera by The World-Herald was not immediately returned.
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He had 38 tackles and 5.5 for loss last season at Miami, which fired head coach Manny Diaz and hired Mario Cristobal in the offseason. Cristobal has overhauled Miami’s staff.
NU has had limited success recruiting American Heritage in the past, but the Huskers do have recruiting connections there and throughout the Miami area.
NU has options for replacing Daniels among its current defensive lineman, including Ty Robinson and Casey Rogers. But Daniels’ ability to play an interior spot helped NU’s run defense immensely, much as Daniels’ older brother Darrion did in 2019.
Nebraska has been preparing Nash Hutmacher to become the next nose tackle — and massive Jordon Riley also has one year left — but Silvera would provide immediate experience and likely production.
Nebraska has vied for other defensive line prospects too, including Mekhi Wingo, who left Missouri after his freshman year. But Wingo on Jan. 11 trimmed his list to LSU, Arkansas, Oklahoma and USC, and is visiting several of those schools this weekend.
Meet the 2022 Nebraska football coaching staff
Scott Frost, head coach

First season at NU: 2018
2022 Salary: $4 million
Alma mater: Nebraska
Other coaching stops: UCF (2016-17), Oregon (2009-15), Northern Iowa (2007-08), Kansas State (2006)
Mark Whipple, offensive coordinator/quarterbacks

First season on staff: 2022
2022 Salary: $875,000
Alma mater: Brown
Other coaching stops: Pitt (2019-21), UMass (2014-18), Cleveland Browns (2011-12), Miami (2009-10), Philadelphia Eagles (2008), Pittsburgh Steelers (2004-06), UMass (1998-2003), Brown (1994-97), New Haven (1988-1993), New Hampshire (1986-87), Arizona Wranglers (1984), Brown (1983), Union (1981-82), St. Lawrence (1980)
Erik Chinander, defensive coordinator

First season on staff: 2018
2022 Salary: $850,000
Alma mater: Iowa
Other coaching stops: UCF (2016-17), Oregon (2014-15, 2010-12), Philadelphia Eagles (2013), Northern Iowa (2004-09), Ellsworth Community College (2003)
Bill Busch, special teams coordinator

First season on staff: 2022 (also an NU analyst 2021, full-time staff 2004-07, grad assistant 1990-93)
Salary: $400,000
Alma mater: Nebraska Wesleyan
Other coaching stops: LSU (2018-20), Rutgers (2016-17), Ohio State (2015), Wisconsin (2013-14), Utah State (2009-12), Nebraska (2004-07), Utah (2001-03), Utah (2001-03), New Mexico State (1997-2000), Northern Arizona (1995-96), Wisconsin (1994), Nebraska (1990-93), Nebraska Wesleyan (1989)
Mickey Joseph, wide receivers/pass game coordinator/associate head coach

First season on staff: 2022
2022 Salary: $600,000
Alma mater: Nebraska
Other coaching stops: LSU (2017-21), Louisiana Tech (2016), Grambling State (2014-15), Alcorn State (2013), Langston (2008-12), Desire Street Academy HS (2005-08), Central Oklahoma (2004-05), Nicholls State (2001-03), Alabama State (2000), Tulane (1999), Archbishop Shaw HS (1998), Wayne State (1997), Omaha North HS (1995-96)
Donovan Raiola, offensive line

First season on staff: 2022
2022 Salary: $325,000
Alma mater: Wisconsin
Other coaching stops: Chicago Bears (2018-21), Aurora University (2017), Notre Dame (2015-16), Hawaii (2014), Kapalama HS (2012-13)
Sean Beckton, tight ends

First season on staff: 2018
2022 Salary: $450,000
Alma mater: UCF
Other coaching stops: UCF (2009-17, 1996-2003, 1992-93), Orlando Predators (2008), Mainland HS (1993-96)
Bryan Applewhite, running backs

First season on staff: 2022
2022 Salary: $325,000
Alma mater: Northern Colorado
Other coaching stops: TCU (2020-21), Colorado State (2015-19), Louisiana-Monroe (2010-14), Montana State (2009), Wyoming (2003-08), Northern Colorado (1999-02)
Mike Dawson, defensive front

First season on staff: 2020 (also coached at NU in 2018)
2022 Salary: $550,000
Alma mater: UMass
Other coaching stops: New York Giants (2019), UCF (2016-17), Philadelphia Eagles (2013-15), Boston College (2009-11), Akron (2006-08), New Hampishire (2000-05), Pitt (1999), Maine (1998)
Barrett Ruud, linebackers

First season on staff: 2018
2022 Salary: $325,000
Alma mater: Nebraska
Other coaching stops: UCF (2016-17)
Travis Fisher, defensive backs

First season on staff: 2018
2022 Salary: $450,000
Alma mater: UCF
Other coaching stops: UCF (2015-17, 2013), Southeast Missouri State (2014)
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