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FIU’s Fermin Silva enters the transfer portal

With a two-sack performance against Miami as his final act, Fermin Silva decides to enter the transfer portal.

Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl - Florida International v Temple
Fermin Silva was one of FIU’s best players during his time as a Panther.
Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images

After missing most of 2018 with an injury, FIU’s Fermin Silva has decided to enter the transfer portal for his final collegiate season, as first reported by Cole Cubelic of the SEC Network.

The 6-2, 235-pound Miami native played in three games this past season. He recorded 11 tackles and two sacks, both of which came against Miami.

The move allows for other schools to initiate contact with Silva, who will be a grad transfer and have immediate eligibility. It’s expected that he garner strong interest from multiple FBS programs.

NCAA Football: Florida International at Miami
Fermin Silva had two sacks against crosstown rival Miami in what would be his final game of 2018.
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

While the potential loss of Silva is undoubtedly sizable, the Panthers return four players at defensive end who had over 20 tackles in 2018.

Sophomore Noah Curtis led the defensive line with 49 tackles, while freshman Jason Mercier also had a solid season with 31 stops.

Heading into last season, FIU was attempting to play Silva as a hybrid LB/DE, to allow him more opportunities to showcase his athleticism and rush the passer in a variety of ways.

However, he spent of his time on the field last season lined up as a defensive end due to teams playing multiple receiver sets.

Should Silva indeed transfer, he finishes his FIU career with 110 tackles, 14.5 sacks and 23.5 tackles-for-loss and was named to the C-USA All-Conference second team for efforts in 2017.