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. Oklahoma

The Sooners will certainly have something to say this season about the notion that there is no defense in the Big 12. With tackle Gerald McCoy anchoring the middle of the line, Oklahoma should dominate opposing offensive lines. McCoy is an Athlon preseason first-team All-American, and he joins Adrian Taylor and DeMarcus Granger to form one of the top tackle combinations in the nation. McCoy registered 6.5 sacks and 11 tackles for a loss last season and was a big reason why the Sooners ranked 20th nationally against the run. Granger was injured most of last year, but he will be eager to prove that injuries are behind him. Adding to the depth at tackle is incoming freshman Jamarkus McFarland, who ranked as the No. 13 prospect in the 2009 Athlon Consensus 100. Getting pressure off the edges should be no problem, especially with the return of Jeremy Beal, Frank Alexander and Auston English. Beal led the team with 8.5 sacks last season, helping the Sooners tie for fourth nationally with an average of three sacks per game. Redshirt freshman R.J. Washington ranked as the No. 10 prospect in the 2008 Athlon Consensus 100 and should see significant snaps in the rotation.

2. Florida

All of the key contributors from last season are back, and several young players should be better with another offseason of working with line coach Dan McCarney. Defensive ends Carlos Dunlap and Jermaine Cunningham figure to spend most of 2009 in opposing backfields. The duo combined for 15.5 sacks last season; Dunlap is an Athlon preseason first-team All-American. With both ends returning, the Gators should lead in the SEC in sacks after finishing second last season. William Green played 13 games in his freshman season, and Justin Trattou is back after collecting 27 tackles in 14 contests. Plugging the middle of the line will be Lawrence Marsh and Terron Sanders. Marsh started 13 games and registered 5.5 tackles for a loss, while Sanders picked up 21 tackles. The depth of the interior should be better in 2009, especially with the commitment of the No. 32-ranked prospect in the 2009 Athlon Consensus 100, Gary Brown, and highly regarded sophomore Omar Hunter.

3. Ohio State

The Buckeyes may not have a superstar like Vernon Gholston or Will Smith returning up front, but there is an impressive collection of talent. Ohio State ranked 18th nationally in rush defense and allowed only seven rushing touchdowns last season. Considering that this unit recorded only 27 sacks last season, improving the pass rush will be one of the top priorities for co-coordinators Jim Heacock and Luke Fickell. End Thaddeus Gibson led the team with five sacks last season and is an Athlon preseason second-team All-Big Ten selection. Gibson is only a junior, and the Buckeyes are expecting him to take another step in his development in 2009. Lawrence Wilson has battled injuries over the last two years but has the potential to jumpstart the pass rush at defensive end — if healthy. Nathan Williams enjoyed a promising freshman season, collecting two sacks and 18 tackles in nine games. Anchoring the middle of the line are juniors Cameron Heyward and Dexter Larimore, along with senior Doug Worthington, an Athlon preseason third-team All-Big Ten selection. Incoming freshmen Melvin Fellows and John Simon ranked among the top 100 prospects in the 2009 class by Athlon.

4. Virginia Tech

Finding defensive talent never seems to be a problem for coordinator Bud Foster. Three starters return from a front four that registered 35 sacks and helped the Hokies finish 14th nationally against the run. End Jason Worilds recorded 62 tackles and led the team with eight sacks. The junior also finished second in the ACC with 18.5 tackles for a loss and was credited with 21 quarterback hurries. He is an Athlon preseason first-team All-ACC selection and should be one of the top pass rushers in the nation. With Orion Martin out of eligibility, the Hokies will turn to senior Nekos Brown at the other end spot. Brown registered 22 tackles and two sacks in 14 games last season. Tackles John Graves and Cordarrow Thompson plugged the middle of the line, starting all 14 games last season and combining for 10.5 tackles for a loss. Thompson finished second on the team with 13 quarterback hurries and collected three sacks. Demetrius Taylor was the top backup at tackle, playing in all 14 games and recording 12 tackles.

5. Clemson

Outside of convincing running back C.J. Spiller to return for his senior season, coach Dabo Swinney’s best move in the offseason was the hiring of Kevin Steele as defensive coordinator. Steele joins the staff after spending the last two seasons at Alabama and should ignite a defensive line that is just behind Virginia Tech’s in the ACC pecking order. Sophomore Da’Quan Bowers is primed for a huge season after recording 47 tackles and eight tackles for a loss last season. End Ricky Sapp, who is recovering from a torn ACL, has 11 sacks over three seasons. Kevin Alexander chipped in 34 tackles last season and should compete with Sapp and Bowers for starts. The middle of the line is in good shape, despite the loss of Dorell Scott. Jarvis Jenkins collected 10 tackles for a loss, while Brandon Thompson and Jamie Cumbie have significant experience.

Next Up:
6. North Carolina
7. USC
8. Alabama
9. Ole Miss
10. Nebraska

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

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