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talent as the ball carriers on UVA's roster. And no group will be asked to carry the load quickly like them either. 2. Inside Linebacker — With the move to a 3‑4 defense, the Wahoos will look to rely on several standouts in the middle of the field. The Cavaliers will have not only third‑ year Micah Kiser, the ACC's leading tackler, but a lot of experience with fourth‑year Zach Bradshaw currently slotted there as well. There are also several young players at inside linebacker that came to Charlottesville as highly rated recruits, including second‑ year C.J. Stalker, plus redshirt first‑year Jah‑ voni Simmons and Dominic Sheppard. 3. Secondary — The return of third‑year safety Quin Blanding gives the group of de‑ fensive backs a big boost. But there are other talented defensive backs on the roster as well, and they'll be playing in a scheme that calls for more man coverage than in the past. Fourth‑year cornerback Tim Harris will be able to use his length and physicality a lot more in the new system. Second‑year Juan Thornhill, a multi‑time state champ at Altavista, could line up at corner or safety for the Cavaliers this season, giving Howell and Mendenhall a lot of flexibility. The secondary also returns fourth‑years Kelvin Rainey and Wilfred Wahee at safety, in addition to cornerbacks Kirk Garner, Dari‑ ous Latimore, Myles Robinson and Kareem Gibson. Lastly, the 2016 recruiting class included 6‑3 Georgia safety Jordan Mack, who could earn early playing time. 4. Offensive Line — Though the group's overall depth has taken a hit due to the medi‑ cal retirements of Sadiq Olanrewaju and Eric Tetlow, UVA's offensive line boasts one of the ACC's best centers in Jackson Matteo and one of its better tackles in Eric Smith, both fourth‑years. Elsewhere at tackle, fourth‑year Michael Mooney and third‑year Jack English are back, while second‑year Jake Fieler looks to have found a home at OT under the new staff. At guard, fourth‑year Sean Karl is slated to CAVALIERS AT A GLANCE Head Coach: Bronco Mendenhall, first season at UVA and 99-43 career (12th year) 2015 In Review: 4-8, 3-5 ACC (6th, Coastal) Last Bowl Appearance: Lost 43-24 to Auburn in the 2011 Chick-fil-A Bowl Total Wins 2010-13: 22 (4-8-4-2-4) 2016 Preseason National Rankings: No. 50 by CollegeFootballNews.com, No. 55 by ESPN, No. 61 by Athlon and No. 63 by Lindy's. Returning Lettermen: 36 (19 offensive, 14 defensive, 3 specialists) Returning Starters: 15 (7 offensive, 6 defensive, 2 specialists) RETURNING LEADERS Passing: QB Matt Johns (2,810 yards, 20 TD) Rushing: RB Taquan Mizzell (163 carries, 671 yards, 4 TD) Receiving: RB Taquan Mizzell (75 catches, 721 yards, 4 TD) Tackles: LB Micah Kiser (117) Sacks: LB Micah Kiser (7.5) Interceptions: CB Darious Latimore (2)