SEC Football: Top Returning Running Backs of 2014

The SEC undoubtedly hosts some of the best talent in the nation…and that most certainly applies to offensive talent.

Although the 2014 season is still months away, that only gives us more time to evaluate just who is projected to top the charts in each specific position. After last season, the group of running backs that graced the SEC were nothing short of spectacular and this time around should be no different.

So, as the spring approaches and players start returning to the field for practices and drills, here is a breakdown of which players are predicted to be at the prime of their game in 2014:

TJ Yeldon (Alabama):

Already a preseason favorite for the 2014 Heisman campaign, look for Yeldon to begin putting together another exciting run early. After really breaking on to the scene in 2013 and finishing third in the SEC in rushing in just his first year as a full time starter, it is expected that Yeldon will approach this fall with the same tenacity and mindset to surpass even what he accomplished last year. After rushing for 1,108 yards and 12 TDs in 2012, Yeldon took that up a notch to walk away with 1,235 yards and 14 TDs in just his second season. With that being said, look for Yeldon to lead the Tide yet again and to walk away with another season at over a thousand yards rushing and double digit TDs.

Todd Gurley (Georgia):

Although Gurley may not have had the 2013 that many had hoped for, he still walked away with his position as one of the strongest backs in the nation. Why? Because of his sheer power and speed. Following an injury plagued season, look for Gurley to return in 2014 fully healed and ready to play. After a breakout freshman season with 1,385 yards and 17 TDs, the offensive prodigy looked to recoup those numbers and then some. However, an ankle injury sidelined Gurley for three games, causing him to fall just shy of that thousand yard mark and finishing his season with 989 yards and 10 TDs. What was even more amazing? He also managed to bring home four games with over 100-yards. So, ready to take charge this season…don’t be surprised to find Gurley’s name beside Yeldon’s in that hunt for the Heisman.

Mike Davis (South Carolina):

After waiting a year behind Marcus Lattimore, Davis used 2013 to his advantage and emerge as one of the most highly regarded backs in the SEC. With a full year under his belt, watch for Davis to enter 2014 as the “workhorse” of the Gamecock’s offense. Quickly turning out the numbers, Davis ended 2013 with 1,183 yards and 11 TDs on 213 carries. He also rushed for 100-plus yards in seven out of his 12 starts. With experience on his side now, the Gamecocks look for him to not only live up to the preseason hype, but to stay in the spotlight as one of the best in the nation in his position. Another plus? Look for the Gamecocks to replace dual-threat QB Connor Shaw with a pocket-oriented Dylan Thompson. Why does that matter? It most likely means that Davis will have more carry attempts.

Kenyan Drake (Alabama):

As the second back on the list for the Tide, Drake may not have had the carries as his teammate mentioned earlier, but certainly do not let that fool you. As a sophomore and dubbed the No. 2 back behind Yeldon, Drake averaged 7.5 yards per carry and still managed two 100-plus yard games. Although he finished the season with just 694 yards and eight TDs (which may not look like a lot compared to other backs), it is his speed that boasts well for the Tide’s offense and works to their advantage. Drake will most likely be used in that same capacity this season and with QB AJ McCarron gone, has the opportunity to shine as a very important piece of that Alabama offense with Yeldon.

Alex Collins (Arkansas):

Youth aside, Collins came in to the SEC with more than a breakout performance to end 2013 as the SEC’s top freshman rusher. That means a lot when you look at his inexperience put up against some of the best defenses in the nation. With 100-yard rushing performances in his first three outings, look for Collins to become an unpredictable force against opposing teams. In his inaugural season, Collins finished with 1,026 yards total and four TDs on 190 carries. He also became just the second freshman in Razorback history to rush for over 1,000 yards as a back. Although no one can accurately predict what the future holds, it does not take much to assume that this season will be even better for the young Arkansas star.