Imposing defenses have been the theme around the country through the first half of the season. Five teams ranked in the top 10 of the first Bowl Championship Series standings also are ranked in the top 10 nationally in total defense.

Here in Florida, the defensive-minded trend is a reflection of the national scene. Florida's three best teams -- No. 2 Florida, No. 8 Miami and South Florida (still receiving votes in the AP poll) -- are each ranked in the top 25 nationally in total defense: Florida (No. 2, 228.33 ypg), Miami (No. 25, 305.67 ypg) and South Florida (No. 18, 286 ypg).

It only makes sense that Florida, Miami and South Florida dominate The Miami Herald's midseason college football All-Florida Team. The biggest surprise of my midseason defensive ballot: No Noles.

• DL Jermaine Cunningham, senior, UF: Cunningham doesn't receive much attention, but he clearly is one of UF's best defenders with six tackles for loss, three sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in five games.

• DL George Selvie, senior, USF: The Pensacola native is back to his dominant ways of 2007. Selvie has 26 tackles through seven games, including 6.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. He also has recorded one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

• DL Jason Pierre-Paul, junior, USF: Those who watched Pierre-Paul at Deerfield Beach knew he would eventually be a force at the collegiate level. After transferring from a junior college, he has blossomed on the national scene with 20 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception and one forced fumble.

• LB Ryan Stamper, redshirt senior, UF: The Gators' most reliable and versatile linebacker, Stamper is tied for the team lead with 33 tackles. He has recorded three tackles for loss, including one sack, and a forced fumble.

• LB Bryan Parker, senior, FAMU: Parker has been an absolute beast for the Rattlers. He has recorded 68 tackles (48 solo stops), including 12.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks. He has also forced two fumbles, recovered four and blocked a kick.

• LB Colin McCarthy, senior, UM: The Canes' defensive leader, McCarthy has performed brilliantly in his return to the field. He leads UM's defense with 38 tackles, including four behind the line of scrimmage. He also has an interception.

• LB Scott Bryant, senior, FIU: If only all of the Golden Panthers could play with Bryant's tenacity. He has recorded 62 tackles, including three for loss, and one sack. He also has one interception, one pass deflection, one fumble recovery and two forced fumbles.

• SS Ahmad Black, junior, UF: Black has been effective on third down in run support and is tied with linebacker Ryan Stamper with a team-high 33 tackles. Black's interception against Tennessee in the fourth quarter was clutch.

• FS Nate Allen, senior, USF: Allen has been a star this season. He leads the Bulls in tackles (36) and interceptions (three). He also has recorded one fumble recovery and one forced fumble.

• CB Joe Haden, junior, UF: Could this be Haden's final season before heading to the NFL? If so, it has been a good one. Haden has recorded 32 tackles, including two sacks. He also has two interceptions and has broken up three passes.

• CB Brandon Harris, sophomore, UM: The Canes' best cover man, Harris has broken up 10 passes this season with one interception.

Also under consideration: UF linebacker Brandon Spikes (32 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss); FSU linebacker Dekoda Watson (32 tackles, 7.5 for loss); USF linebacker Kion Wilson (35 tackles, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble); UCF linebacker Lawrence Young (46 tackles, seven tackles for loss, one interception); UCF linebacker Cory Hogue (48 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, one interception); FSU linebacker Kendall Smith (40 tackles before Thursday); Miami linebacker Darryl Sharpton (36 tackles); Miami linebacker Sean Spence (34 tackles, including 5.5 tackles for loss); Florida cornerback Janoris Jenkins (two interceptions); Florida free safety Major Wright (two interceptions); USF defensive back Jerome Murphy (two interceptions, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery).

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