The start of the SEC football season is still months away, but it's clear which teams can count on big things from their quarterbacks. While the SEC is still the king of college football, and the running backs play a major role in that. There is some real talent in the backfield this year for the SEC.
While the top three spots are very clear, the rest of the grouping is a cluttered. Georgia RB Sony Michel has a claim to one of these spots, but just missed out. The underrated Boom Williams from Kentucky and Auburn's likely workhouse Jovon Robinson also both missed out. Plus, the rest of the players ahead of him are starters. With that in mind, here are the 5 Best RBs in the SEC for 2016.
5. RB Bo Scarbrough/Damien Harris
Yes, we're totally cheating by including both Alabama RBs. But Derrick Henry is gone and the Crimson Tide are looking for a new feature back for their run-first attack. Both Harris and Scarbrough were five-star recruits, with Scarbrough the one many expect to land the starting job. But don't rule out Harris, who was better in the Spring Game and saw more carries last season. Whoever starts, or even if they both split carries 50-50, should have a big season behind the Alabama O-Line. And they're both talented enough to merit a high spot anyway.
4. Ralph Webb, Vanderbilt
Webb gets almost no love in the SEC, because he plays for a terrible Vanderbilt team. And that Vandy offense was terrible last season, but it wasn't because of Webb. As a true sophomore last year, he racked up 1,340 yards of offense and is the No. 4 returning rusher in the SEC. Webb doesn't have great size, but he was productive last year and should be again this season. He needs to get into the end zone more (he had just 5 TDs), but that had more to do with Vandy's offensive issues as a unit than Webb. He's underrated, but Webb is one of the best backs in the SEC.
3. Jalen Hurd, Tennessee
Henry got all the love as the SEC's big, powerful back, but that honor will go to Hurd this year. He's 6-foot-4, 240-pounds, which is a massive for a RB. He's not a super-explosive player, but he's tough to bring down and will consistently pick up yards. He's a surprisingly effective pass catcher. Hurd racked up 1,288 yards and 12 TDs. He's the second leading returning rusher in the SEC and should have another big year.
2. Nick Chubb, Georgia
Had Chubb stayed healthy, he likely would have been the third leading rusher in the SEC last year. He's a borderline first round draft pick, although he'll need to show he's recovered from a knee injury that ended his season. He averaged an absurd 8.12 yards per carry last year. While those numbers might regress a bit, expect a massive year from Chubb. He and Michel form arguably the best duo in the SEC.
1. Leonard Fournette, LSU
This one is a no-brainer. Fournette carried the Tigers' offense all season and should do so again this year. He nearly racked up 2,000 yards and had 22 rushing TDs. He needs some work in the passing game, but Fournette is the best RB in all of college football.
Back to the SEC Newsfeed