Navy graduated two of the best defensive linemen to come through the program when Bernie Sarra and Will Anthony were commissioned as officers last June.
Sarra was a three-year starter at nose guard and did the dirty work of plugging the middle as well as anyone who's played the position since Navy went to a 3-4 defensive alignment in 2003. Sarra held the point of attack while also shedding blocks well enough to record 104 career tackles.
"In the scheme we play, you have to be very unselfish to be in that middle position. Bernie was the ideal guy character-wise," Navy defensive line coach Shaun Nua said.