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Last season was as good a year for freshman running backs as you’ll find in SEC history.
Nick Chubb and Leonard Fournette both went over 1,000 yards rushign on the year, with Chubb coming within 61 yards of leading the conference despite starting the year behind several other running backs on the depth chart. Three other freshmen — Vanderbilt’s Ralph Webb, Tennessee’s Jalen Hurd and Kentucky’s Stanley Williams — all led their team in rushing.
Will any of the incoming freshmen for 2015 be able to match that talented group?
This recruiting class isn’t quite as talented as last year’s at the running back position, with just one five-star signee compared to four in 2014.
We’ve still identified four candidates who could have huge freshmen years in the SEC.
Damien Harris, Alabama
Why he will: Simply put, Alabama is going to need Harris to be ready to go when he arrives on campus this fall. After losing three members of its projected running back stable over the course of the offseason, Alabama is thinner than you’d expect in the backfield. Harris was the top-rated running back in the class, and with uncertainty at quarterback Alabama will have every reason to lean on the run this year.
Why he won’t: Despite its losses, Alabama is still pretty stacked in the backfield. Derrick Henry will be the work horse, while Kenyan Drake and fellow freshman DeSherrius Flowers are around to gobble up touches. Harris certainly has the talent, but might not get enough opportunity to put up huge numbers.
Derrius Guice, LSU
Why he will: Guice has all the tools to be an every-down back in the SEC. While he’s not as athletically off the boards as Fournette, he’s a skilled player who knows how to find holes and can catch the ball out of the backfield. The latter element is one LSU will need out of the backfield with Terrence Magee gone.
Why he won’t: Like Harris, Guice faces a crowded backfield led by one of the most talented backs in the country. Fournette will likely soak up at least 20 carries per game, while his backup Darrel Williams will have to eat as well. There’s also fellow freshman Nick Brossette, a talented player in his own right.
Eric Swinney, Ole Miss
Why he will: The Rebels rushing attack badly needs a boost after finishing 10th in the SEC last year, and Swinney could well be the guy to give it the juice it needs to complement Ole Miss’ explosive passing attack. He’s a slashing runner with a low center of gravity, according to scouts, and he has an SEC-ready physique. With two members of last year’s rotation gone, there should be opportunity for Swinney to make an impact.
Why he won’t: The Rebels offensive line was subpar and banged up last year. While it should be improved this year, with the best left tackle in the conference in Laremy Tunsil now a junior, the team had most of its starters on the shelf this spring. If that group can’t get healthy, the running game won’t get off the ground.
Jordan Scarlett, Florida
Why he will: Outside of five-stars Martez Ivey and CeCe Jefferson, Scarlett was the biggest get for Jim McElwain in his first recruiting cycle. He has speed to burn and strength to match, and the Gators offense badly needs playmakers. Scarlett should fit the bill backing up Kelvin Taylor, and it wouldn’t be a shock if he was getting plenty of carries by midseason.
Why he won’t: Florida’s offensive line is in even worse shape than the situation at Ole Miss. The Gators are replacing four starters and return just one player up front with a start to his name, and even that guy, Trip Thurman, is already dealing with a chronic shoulder injury. With teams likely not respecting the Gators passing attack, they’ll try to stack the box and dare Will Grier and Treon Harris to beat them through the air.
A former freelance journalist from Philadelphia, Brett has made the trek down to SEC country to cover the greatest conference in college football.
