SEC Running Back Rankings: Where does the Texas transfer duo fall?

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Last week, we ranked the SEC quarterbacks. This time around, it’s about their counterpart in the backfield. The SEC is loaded with elite RB talent, including what I consider to be the two best RBs in the country. Arch Manning landed No. 2 in my QB rankings and the RBs are not far behind with the additions of Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown. 

Here’s how I see the SEC running back units heading into the season: 

1. Georgia Bulldogs 

If this was ranking the starting RB, Georgia would not be this high. However, the RB unit is one of, if not the strongest you’ll find in the country. Nate Frazier leads the way, but Chauncey Bowens, Dwight Phillips and new transfer Dante Dowdell bring elite depth. This unit, as always in Athens, is as good as you’ll find around the SEC. 

2. Missouri Tigers 

This is as low as a unit with Ahmad Hardy could possibly be. Hardy is currently recovering from his tragic gunshot injury, but is as healthy as could be at this time it seems. If he’s ready for the season, he and Jamal Roberts are likely the best duo in the conference, led by the best RB in the country. 

3. Ole Miss Rebels 

I’d say Ahmad Hardy is the best RB you’ll find in college football. I’d argue Kewan Lacy is No. 2 heading into this season. The Rebels kept their prize playmaker and added Mahki Frazier from Tulane and Joshua Dye from Southern Utah. This will be a “bellcow” RB offense but the Rebels have as good a bellcow as they could ask for. 

4. Texas Longhorns 

This is where I see the Longhorns heading into the season. Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown are the best transfer RB haul anyone in the country brought in. Both are capable of a 60-yard TD any time they touch the ball. You add a five-star freshman in Derrek Cooper, the Longhorns are markedly improved at the RB compared to last season. 

5. Florida Gators

Hardy and Lacy lead this position heading into the season. Jadan Baugh is not far behind them. He is one of the best RB talents in the country but injuries have hurt him. If he’s healthy this season, he will be one of the top RBs in the country. Add in Evan Pryor from Cincinnati, the Gators should have a strong run game again this season. 

6. Auburn Tigers 

Jeremiah Cobb is a really incredible RB for Alex Golesh to have in Year One. Cobb is one of the most consistent backs in the country and can lead that run-first offense well. On top of that, the Tigers added Bryson Washington from Baylor. He’s a true bruiser who is capable of a special season in this offense. That’s a dangerous duo in Auburn. 

7. Tennessee Volunteers 

Desean Bishop, like Jeremiah Cobb, is often forgotten in the shuffle of the SEC RBs, but is equally as special. He’ll lead the Volunteers offense this season, especially with a young QB next to him. Josh Heupel also added Javin Gordon from Tulane and Daune Morris enters his second season in Knoxville. This is a strong unit for Tennessee. 

8. Vanderbilt Commodores

Speaking of returning special backfields next to young QBs, the Commodores enter the season with a dangerous duo. Sedrick Alexander and Makhilyn Young are an elite RB duo for Jared Curtis to enter his career next to. They will be a run-first team and they have a very strong duo to build that offense around. 

9. LSU Tigers

There’s an argument the outright talent in this room is on-par with the top teams on this list. Harlem Berry, Caden Durham and Dilin Jones are the trio in Baton Rouge and it seems the Wisconsin transfer is the one to watch. No matter who the starter is, the horsepower in this room is elite and they could finish the season in the Top 5 of this list. 

10. Texas A&M Aggies

The Aggies enter the season with plenty of playmakers on the roster but much of that is on the outside. That being said, Reuben Owens has top end ability if he’s consistently healthy. Add in Jamarion Morrow and true freshman KJ Edwards, this a strong unit that will have success this season. 

  1. Mississippi State Bulldogs
  2. Alabama Crimson Tide 
  3. Oklahoma Sooners
  4. Arkansas Razorbacks
  5. Kentucky Wildcats
  6. South Carolina Gamecocks

This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: SEC RB Rankings: How does Texas stack up to rest of the conference?

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