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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.
It’s killing me inside knowing that I’m done for the rest of the season that I can’t go out there and suit up with my brothers but god has a reason for allowing things to happen. We may never understand his wisdom but we simply have to trust his will. I WILL BE BACK pic.twitter.com/KZrBM0IalO
— SACKMASTER7️⃣ (@_SACKMASTER7) September 29, 2018
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.
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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.