There are only so many great defensive tackles walking this Earth. It’s just rare to find someone with the combination of size, athletic ability and toughness necessary to play the position at a high level. With that caveat, Miami has done a good job of cherry-picking local DTs with those kind of traits. It was Moten in 2014, McIntosh in 2015 and Jon Ford in 2017. This year, Miami has already has a commit from the alpha of the region in Nesta Silvera. The rest of the group consists of upside guys. It is not uncommon to see DTs emerge as seniors so it’s worth tracking their progress.
Nesta Silvera- 6’2, 307, 5.36* (American Heritage)- Nose tackle who combines bully mentality with freakish strength. Blocked multiple kicks because of first step and motor. Needs to rein it in a bit off the field but you love his edge and confidence.
[HUDL]video/3/4211562/57e6944bbd75201524e37374[/HUDL]
Davontae McCrae- 6’3, 250, 5.25* (Northwestern)- Raw but naturally gifted Jackson transfer who is poised for a breakout year. Long arms and solid quickness (4.69 shuttle). Good finisher once he gets to the ballcarrier. Also plays left tackle.
[HUDL]video/3/6530969/581e5d59688ec4e4a42c9bd6[/HUDL]
Jason Mercier- 6’4, 236, 5.14* (Boynton Beach)- Rangy, productive athlete who plays inside and outside for Lamar Jackson’s old high school. Projects as either a big DE or a 3-technique depending on how he grows. High-motor player with the speed to chase plays down from weakside. Very good length. Already holds multiple ACC offers.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/5333021/57df162abd752008cc59c62b
Jarrett Jackson- 6’5, 257* (Palm Beach Gardens)- Jumbo athlete who has been impressing in the off-season circuit as a TE. Highly athletic but more of a reactor than a disruptor on defense. Would like to see him play with more pop as a senior. High upside if he can put it together.
Mid Season - Jarrett Jackson highlights - Hudl
Desmond Pete- 6’2, 260 (Blanche Ely)- One of the more underrated players in the area. Always the first guy off the ball. Squatty frame with long arms. Disruptive. Missed some time as a junior and could generate buzz once he puts more tape together. This is the kind of player who goes to FAU and gives us fits.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8024803/580d5e7f688ec51b18091fa7
Aaron Morgan- 6’4, 240, 4.97* (Hallandale)- Another potential breakout candidate if he puts together a full season of tape. A bit upright but plays with a high motor and can run.
More to come
- Aaron Morgan highlights - Hudl
Brian Bureau- 6’2, 310 (Atlantic)- Small-school All-State selection with very good strength. Like his old teammate Marquis Waters (now at Duke), Bureau transferred to Atlantic to prove he can hang with top competition. Marginal athlete but has some coordination.
RoadBlock.74 - Brian Bureau highlights - Hudl
Dejmi Dumervil- Jean- 6’5, 367, 6.28* (St. Thomas)- Massive widebody who projects as a Terrance Cody-type clogger. Cousin of Elvis Dumervil. Also plays OL.
http://www.hudl.com/video/3/4068689/580d158bbd75210db495fcbd
Nesta Silvera- 6’2, 307, 5.36* (American Heritage)- Nose tackle who combines bully mentality with freakish strength. Blocked multiple kicks because of first step and motor. Needs to rein it in a bit off the field but you love his edge and confidence.
[HUDL]video/3/4211562/57e6944bbd75201524e37374[/HUDL]
Davontae McCrae- 6’3, 250, 5.25* (Northwestern)- Raw but naturally gifted Jackson transfer who is poised for a breakout year. Long arms and solid quickness (4.69 shuttle). Good finisher once he gets to the ballcarrier. Also plays left tackle.
[HUDL]video/3/6530969/581e5d59688ec4e4a42c9bd6[/HUDL]
Jason Mercier- 6’4, 236, 5.14* (Boynton Beach)- Rangy, productive athlete who plays inside and outside for Lamar Jackson’s old high school. Projects as either a big DE or a 3-technique depending on how he grows. High-motor player with the speed to chase plays down from weakside. Very good length. Already holds multiple ACC offers.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/5333021/57df162abd752008cc59c62b
Jarrett Jackson- 6’5, 257* (Palm Beach Gardens)- Jumbo athlete who has been impressing in the off-season circuit as a TE. Highly athletic but more of a reactor than a disruptor on defense. Would like to see him play with more pop as a senior. High upside if he can put it together.
Mid Season - Jarrett Jackson highlights - Hudl
Desmond Pete- 6’2, 260 (Blanche Ely)- One of the more underrated players in the area. Always the first guy off the ball. Squatty frame with long arms. Disruptive. Missed some time as a junior and could generate buzz once he puts more tape together. This is the kind of player who goes to FAU and gives us fits.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8024803/580d5e7f688ec51b18091fa7
Aaron Morgan- 6’4, 240, 4.97* (Hallandale)- Another potential breakout candidate if he puts together a full season of tape. A bit upright but plays with a high motor and can run.
More to come
- Aaron Morgan highlights - HudlBrian Bureau- 6’2, 310 (Atlantic)- Small-school All-State selection with very good strength. Like his old teammate Marquis Waters (now at Duke), Bureau transferred to Atlantic to prove he can hang with top competition. Marginal athlete but has some coordination.
RoadBlock.74 - Brian Bureau highlights - Hudl
Dejmi Dumervil- Jean- 6’5, 367, 6.28* (St. Thomas)- Massive widebody who projects as a Terrance Cody-type clogger. Cousin of Elvis Dumervil. Also plays OL.
http://www.hudl.com/video/3/4068689/580d158bbd75210db495fcbd
