If you're a diehard SEC football fan, you know how critical every position is. If you have a subpar tackles? Good luck with those defensive linemen and linebackers, right? Ineffective defensive backs? Good luck stopping the opposing wide receivers. There's very little room for error.
Every position is crucial.
Top 5 SEC Players By Position
Centers | Guards | Tackles | Tight ends
So today, we take a look at the top running backs in the SEC — and there are a bunch of them. Who are the guys who make the key block, catch that first down pass over the middle? And who holds their own when that defensive onslaught the SEC is known for comes?
HERO Sports will break down every position and let you know what we think. We realize we may have a backup listed here and there in the list below, but we think we have the top players at the position listed.
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1. NICK CHUBB, SR. — GEORGIA
THE SKINNY: Chubb (5-10/230) has been a mainstay for the Bulldogs for years now, and even sharing time with another star in the backfield — Sony Michel — Chubb has been incredible. He should easily go over the 4,000-yard mark for his career, and if he's really on top of the game don't be surprised if he gets close to (or over) 5,000. He is rated the No. 1 running back in the 2018 draft class by NFLDraftScout.com, so he'll be happy a year from now, too.
STATS: Chubb has rushed for 3,424 yards and 29 TDs in three seasons — with his sophomore year cut short due to injury.
MORE: Kirby Smart On Georgia's Nick Chubb and Alabama's Heisman Winner Derrick Henry
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2. DERRIUS GUICE, JR. — LSU
THE SKINNY: Guice (5-11/215) has been in the shadow of Leonard Fournette — until now. Even with that shadow, Guice made quite a name for himself in 2016 as he surpassed the 1,000-yard mark when Fournette missed some time. Keep an eye on Guice with the NFL Draft. He could come out this year early as a junior, or be highly regarded going into the 2019 NFL Draft as a senior. Either way, he'll have a nice contract one day soon.
STATS: Guice has rushed for 1,823 yards and 18 TDs in his two-year career behind Leonard Fournette, including a nearly 1,400-yard season last year.
MORE: 2017 Heisman Darkhorse: LSU RB Derrius Guice
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3. RALPH WEBB, SR. — VANDERBILT
THE SKINNY: A true workhorse, Webb (5-9/205) — who missed being a 1,000-yard rusher three straight seasons by only 88 yards as a freshman — is on pace to be a 4,000-yard career rushing. He's also been a consistent threat catching the ball out of the backfield, and any success the Commodores have this year he'll surely be a big reason. He is considered the fourth best running back in this year's draft class.
STATS: This year, Webb should go over the 4,000-yard mark for rushing yardage in a career. He has scored 22 career TDs on the ground, and also caught 55 passes for 384 yards snd 2 TDs in his career.
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4. DAMIEN HARRIS, JR. — ALABAMA
THE SKINNY: The prize of the state of Kentucky during recruiting, Harris (5-10/215) got his chance — like Guice above — when the star running back ahead of him in the depth chart moved on. Harris was behind Derrick Henry in 2015 and saw little time, but he exploded onto the scene in 2016. The speedy and shifty running back is considered quite the draft pick possibility for the 2019 spring.
STATS: With Derrick Henry in the NFL, Harris rushed for 1,037 yards last year after mostly mop up duty as a freshman in 2015. He scored four total touchdowns, also.
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5. TRAYVEON WILLIAMS, SOPH. — TEXAS A&M
THE SKINNY: Williams (5-9/200) came to the SEC and instantly was a hit, blowing away the competition with his 4.5 speed and moves. He was a 1,000 yard rusher as a freshman, continuing a trend he started in high school in the Houston area when he went for more than 4,000 prep yards rushing. He is already considered the No. 2 running back in his class (2020) by NFLDraftScout.com, so keep an eye on him the next few years.
STATS: As a freshman last year, Williams burst onto the scene and rushed for 1,057 yards and 8 TDs, while also catching 19 passes.
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Is five not enough? Here's a look at the next best batch of great running backs in the SEC:
| RK | PLAYER | SEC TEAM | HT | WT | YR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Sony Michel | Georgia | 5'11" | 215 | Sr. |
| 7 | Bo Scarborough | Alabama | 6'1" | 235 | Jr. |
| 8 | Jordan Scarlett | Florida | 5'10" | 215 | Jr. |
| 9 | Aeris Williams | Mississippi State | 6'1" | 205 | Jr. |
| 10 | John Kelly | Tennessee | 5'9" | 215 | Jr. |
