Any discussion of Virginia’s defensive line has to start with David Dean.

The senior has started 23 of the last 24 games at defensive tackle where he has anchored the line with solid play in the middle. His ability inside helped free up the edge rush of Eli Harold and others. It also allows defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta great flexibility with stunts up front.

Dean posted 40 tackles last season, including eight tackles for loss. For his career, he has 92 tackles with 16.5 tackles for loss. That’s a TFL rate of 1/5.6 as he logs one tackle behind the line for every five stops he makes. Last season, Dean earned All-ACC recognition (honorable mention – media and third team – coaches). He punctuated his season with a touchdown on a three-yard interception return at Virginia Tech, a game where he also logged seven tackles.

While Dean, a captain, is locked into one starting spot at tackle, Mike Moore is assured one of the starting spots at end. He started 11 games on the line last season in what was essentially a hybrid tackle-end role as UVa played frequently in a 4-2-5 formation with Max Valles floating between end-linebacker. Moore had his best season yet as a junior, posting 36 tackles with three sacks and three fumble recoveries. With running mate Harold now with the 49ers, however, Moore likely will need to up his production if Virginia’s defense is going to remain a top 30 threat (29th nationally in total defense in 2014).

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