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Leonard Fournette is regarded by many as the SEC’s best running back, but he disagreees. Fournette thinks Georgia’s Nick Chubb is, apparently, as he told reporters during SEC Media Days.
A smiling Fournette says he still believes Nick Chubb is the best running back in the SEC. #LSU
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) July 14, 2016
Fournette praised Chubb as the conference’s best running back at Media Days last year and held that stance on Thursday.
Leonard Fournette on saying last year that Georgia's Nick Chubb is the best running back in the SEC: "I still feel that way."
— David Paschall (@DavidSPaschall) July 14, 2016
Many debated which of the two running backs was the SEC’s best before Chubb’s season-ending injury in October.
Chubb had the edge as a freshman with 1,547 yards — second among SEC running backs — and 14 touchdowns to Fournette’s 1,034. But Fournette rushed for 1,953 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2015, which is the most by a returning SEC player.
If Chubb is healthy, the debate could reignite in 2016. However, Fournette enters as the favorite coming off a stellar sophomore campaign.
Jason covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.