They’re the teams within the team — those cohesive little units bound together by their shared responsibilities within the larger team context.

Whether it’s the offensive linemen firing off time after time into those familiar blocking sleds, or the defensive linemen drilling repeatedly on how to shed blockers, or the defensive backs breaking on ball after ball — these teams in miniature hone their tasks on the practice field until those tasks become second nature.

Whether or not these units function as one can make the difference between winning and losing, and a single unit can carry a team to New Year’s Day — or beyond. It’s entirely fitting, then, for us to honor the best of the best at each position with our ninth annual Athlon Awards.

1. USC

In the eight years Pete Carroll has been at the helm at USC, the Trojans have produced seven first-team All-Pac-10 linemen. With the returning talent in 2009, Carroll and the Trojans figure to add to that number. Five starters return from a unit that helped lead the way for an offense that finished 14th nationally in scoring, 22nd in rushing and 22nd in passing. Center Kristofer O’Dowd is a preseason Athlon first-team All-American, and his presence and continued improvement will be especially important in 2009, as the Trojans are breaking in a new quarterback. Guard Jeff Byers, a second-team All-Pac-10 selection last season, was granted a sixth season of eligibility. Charles Brown started 13 games at left tackle and was a key reason why the Trojans allowed the fewest sacks in the Pac-10 last year. Joining the starting lineup last season was Butch Lewis, who started seven games at right tackle, and Alex Parsons, who started 10 games at right guard. Although all five starters return, the Trojans have talented options who could find their way into the starting lineup. Redshirt freshman Matt Kalil and sophomores Martin Coleman and Tyron Smith could earn significant snaps.

2. Texas

USC ranks as the top offensive line for 2009, but the Longhorns aren’t far behind. With four starters returning, this unit should open up plenty of passing lanes for quarterback Colt McCoy and keep the Longhorns in contention for their first Big 12 title since 2005. Left tackle Adam Ulatoski is an Athlon preseason first-team All-American who has started 30 games over the last three seasons. The mammoth 6'8" tackle was the top lineman on an offense that averaged 42.4 points and 475.8 yards per game. Center Chris Hall has started a game at every position on the line and is an Athlon preseason second-team All-American. Tackle Kyle Hix and guard Charlie Tanner are returning starters, and both have played in over 25 games in their careers. Hix and Tanner should contend for All-Big 12 honors this season. Replacing two-time honorable mention All-Big 12 selection Cedric Dockery at guard won’t be easy. However, the Longhorns have brought in several quality linemen, including the No. 24 prospect in the Athlon Consensus 100, Mason Walters.

3. Georgia

Injuries forced the Bulldogs to start eight different players along the line last season, and perhaps the best lineman on this team — Trinton Sturdivant — was lost in the preseason due to a knee injury. Despite the injuries and inexperience, the Bulldogs’ front line allowed only 17 sacks and led the way for the offense to average nearly 150 rushing yards per game. With the experience gained last season and a healthy starting five in 2009, Georgia should be much better up front. Sturdivant’s return is key, especially with a new quarterback and running back taking over in Athens. Sturdivant was an SEC All-Freshman pick in 2007 when he became the first freshman to start a season opener at left tackle for Georgia since 1989. Ben Jones impressed as a true freshman, starting the final 10 games at center and earning SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors after a win vs. Kentucky. Clint Boling started 12 games and is a member of the Athlon preseason All-SEC second team. Cordy Glenn, Vince Vance, Chris Davis and Justin Anderson all started games last season and will compete to fill out the remaining two spots in the lineup.

4. Iowa

Three starters return from one of the most successful offensive lines in the Big Ten last season. The front five pounded opponents for 188.7 rushing yards per game and led the way for running back Shonn Greene to earn Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year honors. Greene left for the NFL, but the Hawkeyes should be in good shape with the returning talent on the line, quarterback Ricky Stanzi and sophomore running back Jewel Hampton. Anchoring the line are tackles Bryan Bulaga and Kyle Calloway, both Athlon preseason first-team All-Big Ten selections. Bulaga started all 13 games at left tackle, while Calloway started all 13 on the right side. Julian Vandervelde started the final nine games at left guard and is expected to be a key piece on the interior this year. The Hawkeyes have to replace two solid starters in guard Seth Olsen and center Rob Bruggerman, but Rafael Eubanks, Josh Koeppel, Andy Kuempel, Dan Doering and Dace Richardson are all experienced and talented options.

5. Florida State

Rick Trickett is regarded as one of the top offensive line coaches in college football, and he has molded the Seminole line into the best in the ACC. Florida State has made significant strides on the line over the last two seasons, and with five starters returning this year, it should be the team’s strength. Rodney Hudson is an Athlon preseason second-team All-American who has 23 starts over the last two seasons. Hudson led all Seminole linemen with 893 plays and missed only eight line assignments last season. Ryan McMahon started all 13 games at center last year and earned honorable mention All-ACC honors. McMahon and Hudson anchor one of the top interiors in the nation and will be joined by several young players ready to take on more prominent roles. Tackle Andrew Datko earned freshman All-America honors last season after starting 12 games at left tackle. Zebrie Sanders and David Spurlock are sophomores with starting experience.

Next Up:
6. LSU
7. Oklahoma State
8. Rutgers
9. Ohio State
10. Boston College

These rankings appear in the 2009 Athlon Sports National Edition magazine. Click here to purchase your copy.

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