SEC Football Preview: Ranking the Top Ten Running Backs

Although the position isn’t quite what it used to be, the running back position will always be glamorous in the SEC. Top recruits flock to the south to follow in the footsteps of Bo, Herschel and Emmitt. Despite the explosion of spread offenses, we still see the traditional runners scattered across the SEC. The SEC keeps pumping out prolific rushers. Recently, names like Marcus Lattimore, Todd Gurley, T.J. Yeldon, Tre Mason and Trent Richardson have carried the torch. Who is the next group of great SEC runners? Here are my top ten returning backs for 2015.

10. Brandon Wilds, South Carolina

It seems like Brandon Wilds has been a gamecock since the late 90s. Wilds will enter his final year of eligibility this fall, finally heading into the season as the number one back. Wilds stood in the shadows of Marcus Lattimore and Mike Davis for the bulk of his South Carolina career, but it looks like it’s finally his time to shine. Wilds averaged 5.4 yards per carry last season, posting a better average than Mike Davis did. Wilds along with Pharoh Cooper will need to produce in big ways if the Gamecocks want to contend this season.

9. Boom Williams, Kentucky

Oct 11, 2014; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back Stanley Williams (18) Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Williams spent most of 2014 splitting time in the Wildcat backfield. In fact, Williams only had 30 carries entering the month of November. However, Boom was able to assert himself against Georgia and Louisville. He got over the 100 yard mark in both of those contests, making him the favorite for the full time job in 2015. Williams is a home-run hitter that could very well be a future star. He is entering his second season in Lexington this season, looking to build off of his impressive 6.6 yards per carry last season.

8. Kenyon Drake, Alabama

Drake seems to be the forgotten man in Tuscaloosa. Standing in the shadows of Eddie Lacy, T.J. Yeldon and now Derrick Henry, Drake may never get the chance to prove what he really can do with a full load of carries. He’s on pace to make a full recovery from a gruesome lower leg injury that sidelined him for most of last year. Drake will step right back into his number two role, providing much needed depth for a suddenly vacant Alabama running back depth chart.

Here is an example of how Lane Kiffin was using him before he sustained his injury last season.

7. Russell Hansbrough, Missouri

Hansbrough was able to break 1,000 yards in his first full season as Missouri’s primary ball carrier last season. The shifty speedster put up a 5.3 yards per carry mark. Despite being the number one option, Hansbrough yeilded 177 carries to the departing Marcus Murphy. Murphy is now in the NFL, leaving Hansbrough with a lot more opportunities. Consequentially, look for a big workload for Hansbrough in 2015. He should end up as one of the top rushers in all of the SEC.

5/6. Alex Collins, Jonathan Williams, Arkansas

Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams form one of the best backfields in the country. Each benefit from Bret Bielema’s power run scheme. Last season Collins was able to put up 1,100 yards on 204 carries while Williams went for 1,190 yards on 211 carries. Both players put up eerily similar numbers as the carries were divided at a nearly 50-50 rate. Looking ahead to 2015, nothing should really change. Williams and Collins will lead the Razorback offense looking to run over anything in their path. Remember — Arkansas finished as one of the hottest teams in the nation last season, largely due to their rushing attack and lights out defense. Bielema is hoping that the same formula can work this season.

4. Jalen Hurd, Tennessee

Statistically, Jalen Hurd wasn’t outstanding in his first season in Knoxville. However, Tennessee’s offensive line was a complete disaster. Tennessee had to manufacture touches in space for Hurd, simply because of the line’s struggles. Hurd went for 899 yards on 190 carries last season, adding 221 more yards as a pass catcher. 2015 should bring bigger numbers for Hurd. Butch Jones added a top five recruiting class, picking up key pieces up front on the offensive line. A dangerous dual threat in Josh Dobbs should open plenty of lanes for Hurd as well.

3. Leonard Fournette, LSU

Fournette landed in Baton Rouge as LSU’s prize recruit from the 2014 class. He was immediately inserted into the starting lineup and was expected to produce, which he did. Splitting time with Terrance Magee and Kenny Hillard, Fournette was still able to reach the 1,000 yard mark. Now in 2015, the backfield is all his. With uncertainty at quarterback, Fournette will likely face lots of loaded defensive fronts. It’s probably going to be tough sledding for Fournette, but the carries should be all his.

2. Derrick Henry, Alabama

Oct 18, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (27)Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Henry is just the latest great back to enter the Alabama system. He will assume a full time role this season, shouldering much of the ground attack for the Tide. Henry played second fiddle to T.J. Yeldon last season, despite posting a better yards per carry average (5.8 to 5.0.) Henry is a big bodied, thick runner that eats up yardage with his long strides. He’s a throwback type runner. ‘Bama will need him to produce in a big way if they want to win the west once again.

1. Nick Chubb, Georgia

Chubb isn’t just the most talented back in the SEC, but he lands in the best situation. Running behind an offensive line that will return four starters, Chubb should have plenty of running lanes to choose from this fall. Chubb’s stubby yet stout frame allows him to run with a low center of gravity, making his balance truly elite. He filled in for the injured Todd Gurley last season, averaging over seven yards per carry as a freshman. Look for more of the same this season, possibly ending with a Heisman trophy in December.

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SEC: Ranking the Top Ten Running Backs

By Terry Lambert | Jul 7, 2015