The only school that made a scholarship offer, the University of Utah, only began recruiting Sylvester midway during his senior year.

He ended his freshman season with 23 tackles, 1.5 for loss, 0.5 sacks, one pass defensed, one forced fumble and an interception which he returned 45 yards for a touchdown.

He ended the year with 6 tackles in the bowl game against Navy and Honorable Mention All-MWC and helped lead the Utes to an eventual 9-4 record.

[2] Sylvester was named as one of the defensive captains in his junior year [1] and helped lead the 2008 Utes to a 13–0 record and a final ranking of No.

He finished the season with a remarkable performance in the Sugar Bowl, with 7 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 interception and a fumble recovery.