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Much will be asked of both Urban and Dean this season. For example, when the Cavaliers deployed Tenuta's aggressive, attacking scheme against BYU, it was up to Dean and Urban to not only clear space for the ends and linebackers to get into the backfield but also to stay strong against an offense that ran 93 plays. The depth behind the two starters at tackle doesn't appear to be too deep. UVa will lean on Urban and Dean as the primary tackles, with redshirt first-year Andre Miles-Redmond as well as true first-year Donte Wilkins providing backing them up. London has also signaled thus far that promising true first- last two years. Now I'm jumping into that leadership role as fast as possible." Youth and depth at the position aside, the offseason was a big one for UVa's defense as a whole. Not only did players have to change schemes, but they also had to prepare themselves differently than in years past. Many this preseason referenced a different approach since the Wahoos stumbled to a 4‑8 record last season. "I think we were a lot more focused," Dean said. "That was a big disappointment last season. And I think we all just came in with the mindset that it can't happen again. A lot of us know what a bowl game tastes like, and I "I took a lot of the summer to focus on think we knew we had to get back to having a good work ethic, that learning the plays even better, to make focus, so we're trying to keep that sure any time I hear something that I know right now. I think we have a lot it right away. I just worked on becoming a of potential on this team. We can upset a lot of people." faster, stronger football player." That confidence, Dean said, Dean comes from the team having "that underdog mentality" right now. year Tyrell Chavis will redshirt this season after It's a mindset that isn't likely to go away any time spending last year at Fork Union. soon. Dean will have to go from a player who provided "We take that and use it as a chip on our shoulder," depth to one who plays well enough that UVa he said. doesn't need much of it. There was a slight hiccup Given Dean's comments during training camp, during UVa's win over BYU when Dean appeared Virginia's victory over Brigham Young was no to go down with an ankle or leg injury. On the next surprise to him. He knows what the task is for his series, he was back in the game showing the kind team and specifically for his defense. It won't be of resilience the Wahoos will need the remainder of easy, even if the Cavaliers play eight home games the season. this season. Dean must not only be productive in his second "We have to take this thing game by game," Dean year on the field, he also needs to mentor younger said. "We've got to focus on the first one and then players who come in with even less experience. we'll get to the next game. The coaches are a lot "I'm definitely comfortable with that leadership more aggressive [now]. role," Dean said. "I was that way a lot of my high "The scheme in general and the coaches that go school career [in] baseball, football, all sports really. along with it, they have a real 'go get it' attitude So it's nothing new, but it's something I've got to get and I think it's starting to become a part of who we used to again because I've been the young guy the are." ◆