The spring depth chart for the Virginia football team reflected a small change on offense where it listed three receiver positions instead of two. On defense, however, the chart still reflects a standard 4-3 alignment even though the Cavaliers spend a lot of time in nickel packages or with hybrid roles on the field. With that in mind, the defensive discussion begins with the defensive line.

The depth chart (View the PDF here) lists Mike Moore and Eli Harold as the starters at defensive end. David Dean and Donte Wilkins or Andrew Brown are the starters at defensive tackle.

Looking first at Moore’s side, he slides into the defensive end role vacated by Jake Snyder, who signed a free agent deal with the Minnesota Vikings. Moore (6’4″, 270) drew praise from coach Mike London this spring for a renewed sense of urgency and on-field development. The junior earned on of the Rock Weir Awards for most improved players this spring. Former linebacker Kwontie Moore (6’2″, 250) steps into the back-up role after moving to the line last fall during the course of the season. The junior appears to have found a niche at end where he can use his strength and nose for the football. Redshirt freshman Jack English (6’5″, 265) rounds out the rotation at that end spot.

On the opposite side, Harold (6’4″, 235) enters his third season with a lot of playing time expected to be on his plate again. The junior has 87 tackles including 10.5 sacks so far in his career. The Cavaliers experimented with some hybrid duties for Harold this spring that will include him standing up on the line in a two-point stance at times as well as dropping into coverage at times. Junior Trent Corney (6’3″, 250) is listed as the back-up for Harold, but injuries short-circuited his spring practice reps. Corney has not picked up many snaps outside of special teams at this stage in his career; he played just 63 defensive snaps last season. Senior Cameron Fitch (6’2″, 280) rounds out the depth chart at end.

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