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Gearing up for the season: Defensive line
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Time to shift gears (ha) and spotlight the defense. Again, we'll start with what I consider the most important part: the line. Virginia is well-known for running a 3-4 defensive front, which means that typically only three defensive linemen are on the field, so this unit is a little smaller at UVa than at most schools. Worse, there are quality starters but considerable lack of depth at defensive end after some offseason departures. There is plenty of talent, though, and the starting lineup features plenty of veteran experience. Here are the players expected to make an impact:
Matt Conrath: Two years ago, the Cavaliers got their pass rushing from Chris Long. Last year, it was linebacker Clint Sintim. Both were selected in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft. This year, Matt Conrath is looking to step up and fill the void. Conrath is just a sophomore, but will work on building on an excellent season last year in which he picked up seven tackles for loss. Conrath is expected by many to follow in Long's footsteps as the next great pass-rushing defensive end at UVa.
Nate Collins: Collins has been a nose tackle for most of his UVa career, an often-thankless position that doesn't rack up many stats but nevertheless is crucial to the success of the defense. He moves to end this year to help fill a pressing need. Collins has always been an excellent tackle, and he's expected to make a smooth transition to the outside.
Nick Jenkins: Once splitting time almost evenly with Collins at tackle, Jenkins inherits the inside position and will have it nearly all to himself. As such, his role will increase this year and he'll be expected to play the all-important role of anchoring the defense.
Zane Parr: Parr's role was limited last year, and he played in only six games, recording just two tackles. One of those was a sack, however, highlighting the new expectations thrust upon Parr this year. He'll be a key part of the rotation and the first defensive end off the bench this season.
Will Hill: The only early enrollee in the 2009 recruiting class, Hill has been on Grounds since January and benefitted from winter conditioning and spring practice. He's the only true freshman listed on the defensive two-deep. Hill showed up early and ready to go, and should reap the benefits of his hard work.
John-Kevin Dolce: A former linebacker, Dolce has excellent pass-rush skills (and put a wicked hit on Maryland's quarterback Chris Turner in last year's 31-0 thrashing) and the coaches have been trying to figure out how to best use his talents. The answer they've struck upon has been to move Dolce to nose tackle in pass-rush situations to try and maximize the pressure on the quarterback.
These are six very talented football players, but the depth behind them is inexperienced and unproven. Should injury strike, UVa will be forced to turn to more true freshmen at defensive end. The likely first chance would go to massive Canadian Brent Urban. At nose tackle, fans have high hopes for redshirt freshman Buddy Ruff, who may see the field at some point this year but likely will need to wait a little longer for his big opportunity.
Next up will be Al Groh's favorite position: linebacker!
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