The SEC lost some quality runners following the 2020 season. The conference’s top running back, Alabama’s Najee Harris, was a first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2021 NFL Draft.
In addition, Larry Rountree III out of Missouri and Eric Gray, the former Tennessee running back who transferred to Oklahoma, are both no longer in the SEC. But even with those losses, the conference is still in good shape at the position.
On Wednesday, I ranked my top 5 returning running backs from the SEC for OutKick. I’ve included the list below, but if you want to get the details on why I ranked players at certain spots, click here.
Here is how things shook out regarding my list, which surprisingly didn’t include an Alabama player. Don’t be surprised if that changes by the end of the season though.
Honorable mention: Jerrion Ealy, Ole Miss; Brian Robinson Jr., Alabama
