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

Having one of the most talented receiving corps in the nation should be the perfect remedy for the Trojans as they break in a new quarterback. Whether it’s Aaron Corp, Mitch Mustain or Matt Barkley taking snaps — and all signs point to Corp — the quarterbacks should have no trouble keeping the chains moving this season. Damian Williams capped off an excellent 2008 campaign with 10 catches in the Rose Bowl and placed second on the team with nine touchdown receptions. He is an Athlon second-team preseason All-American who should have excellent rapport with Mustain, his former teammate at both Springdale (Ark.) High School and the University of Arkansas. Ronald Johnson averaged 17.3 yards per catch last year and appears poised to have his finest season in Los Angeles. Junior David Ausberry’s catch total fell last year, but with Patrick Turner out of eligibility, Ausberry should see both his playing time and his workload increase. Redshirt freshmen D.J. Shoemate and Brice Butler ranked among the top prospects in the 2008 Athlon Consensus 100 and should see playing time this season. Sophomore Blake Ayles caught only six passes in nine contests last year but should team with senior Anthony McCoy to form one of the top tight end combinations in the nation.

2. Notre Dame

After winning only 10 games over the last two seasons, the Fighting Irish are hungry to make a run at a BCS bowl. Jimmy Clausen’s development at quarterback is crucial to Notre Dame’s hopes, and he will be throwing to one of the top groups of receivers in the nation. Junior Golden Tate set a Notre Dame bowl record with three touchdown catches and 177 receiving yards in last season’s win over Hawaii. The huge performance in the bowl pushed him to 1,080 receiving yards, which ranked as the fifth-best single-season total in school history. He is averaging 19.0 yards per reception for his career and is among the top deep-threat receivers in college football. Michael Floyd missed two games due to injury but posted solid numbers in his freshman season, catching 48 passes for 719 yards and seven scores. Duval Kamara is a quality third receiver, as the junior has 52 career catches for 563 yards and five scores to his credit. Tight end Kyle Rudolph had a fantastic freshman season and will only get better with more playing time.

3. Oklahoma

If there is one position where Oklahoma can afford to reload, it’s at receiver. Despite the departures of Manuel Johnson, Juaquin Iglesias and Quentin Chaney, the Sooners have the top receiving group in the Big 12. Tight end Jermaine Gresham is a preseason first-team Athlon All-American who led OU with 14 touchdown receptions last season. With more opportunities, Gresham should top the 1,000-yard mark this season and reach double-digits in touchdowns for the third time in his career. Ryan Broyles burst onto the scene last season, catching 46 passes for 687 yards and six scores. He will be counted on for a bigger role in the offense this season and should push past the 1,000-yard mark. Although the rest of the Sooner receiving group is inexperienced, there is little doubt about the talent. Adron Tennell was highly regarded coming out of high school and is searching for his breakout season. Sophomores Jameel Owens and Dejuan Miller and junior Brandon Caleb should emerge as solid options for quarterback Sam Bradford, and Mossis Madu, a tailback, will also be used in the slot.

4. Kansas

The Jayhawks’ Big 12 North title hopes rest with an offense that ranked 21st nationally in total yards and eighth in passing. Todd Reesing’s return under center gives the Jayhawks more than enough ammunition to make a run at the North title. Catching passes from Reesing will be Athlon preseason second-team All-America receiver Dezmon Briscoe. As a sophomore, Briscoe blistered opponents for 92 catches, 1,407 yards and 15 scores. And his biggest outing came against the Big 12 champs. Although the Jayhawks came up short against Oklahoma, Briscoe had a monstrous 12 reception, 269-yard showing with two touchdowns. Those 269 yards were the most in a single game in the NCAA last season. Former quarterback Kerry Meier turned into a reliable No. 2 receiver for Reesing, catching 97 passes for 1,045 yards and eight touchdowns. Meier and Briscoe became the first receiving duo in Kansas history to top 60 receptions and 900 yards in the same season. Johnathan Wilson returns for his junior year as a solid third option, catching 43 passes for 573 yards and three scores in ’08.

5. Texas

The best offseason news the Longhorns received had to be the extra season of eligibility that the NCAA awarded to Jordan Shipley. Shipley had 89 receptions last season — third in Texas single-season history — and led the team with 11 touchdown catches. The roommate to quarterback Colt McCoy, Shipley caught a touchdown pass in each of the first eight games of the season — a Texas school record. He was also a valuable weapon on special teams, scoring twice and averaging 26.3 yards per kickoff return. Replacing Quan Cosby’s 92 receptions won’t be easy, but the Longhorns have recruited this position well, and a couple of players appear poised for a breakout season. Sophomore Malcolm Williams averaged 17.9 yards per catch last season and posted a career-high 182 yards and two touchdown catches in the memorable shootout with Texas Tech. Juniors Brandon Collins and James Kirkendoll combined for 56 receptions last season, while sophomore Dan Buckner ranked as the No. 40 prospect in the 2008 Athlon Consensus 100. Standout tight end Blaine Irby had his 2008 season cut short by injury, and his future is in doubt. His loss would be a significant blow for McCoy & Co.

Next Up
6. Cincinnati
7. Florida
8. Illinois
9. Central Michigan
10. LSU

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

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