Despite key loses, DL returns plenty of experience

Moving on: Starters Brandon Deaderick, Terrence Cody and Lorenzo Washington exit, all with NFL hopes of varying strength. As a 355-pound nose guard who drew regular double-teaming, Cody figures to be the most difficult to replace.

Moving forward: Marcell Dareus, Josh Chapman and Luther Davis return with plenty of experience, with Dareus and Davis at end and Chapman at the nose position. Dareus was UA’s leader in sacks last season and was the line’s top playmaker despite making just four starts. Chapman lacks Cody’s size but his quickness and strength have earned him a role the past two years. Davis enters his senior year with an opportunity to be a first-year starter.

Moving up: Kerry Murphy saw limited playing time as UA’s third nose guard last year. He is among a deep cast of reserves competing up front, including Nick Gentry, Brandon Moore, William Ming, Milton Talbert, Chris Bonds and Darrington Sentimore. Damion Square, who was lost for the season last year to a knee injury, may practice on a limited basis.

Moving day: Junior College transfer Brandon Lewis joins the team this spring, as does defensive end Anthony Orr, a grayshirt from the 2009 signing class.

Position overview: Between Davis, Chapman and Dareus, the defensive line returns the most experience of the three defensive units. Beyond those three, the rest are largely unproven in game action but will have a strong opportunity if the coaching staff chooses to rotate a second group up front as much in 2010 as it did in 2009.

— Chase Goodbread