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Who will become the SECs next great freshman running back?
Several coaches hope to be able to answer that question with their signees this year.
Over the last several years, the conference has seen some wide-eyed, uber-talented running backs make instant splashes. Over the last 10 years, six true freshmen running backs have rushed for 1,000 yards:
Darren McFadden, Arkansas 1,113 yards (2005)
Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina, 1,197 yards (2010)
Michael Dyer, Auburn 1,093 yards (2010)
Todd Gurley, Georgia, 1,385 yards (2012)
TJ Yeldon, Alabama, 1,108 yards (2012)
Alex Collins, Arkansas, 1,026 yards (2013)
The most recent back to eclipse the mark was Arkansas freshman Alex Collins, who hit the mark with virtually no passing game helping offset the running game. Collins had a fantastic year in 2013, rushing for 1,026 yards. TJ Yeldon and Todd Gurley were the two to beat the mark in 2012.
RELATED: Will Mark Richt run Gurley too much in 2014?
So, which freshmen will rush for 1,000 yards in 2014? Lucky for you, weve narrowed down five frontrunners who were all top 10 high school running backs:
Nick Chubb, Georgia
Why he will: Chubb is the most like Todd Gurley and is physically ready for the SEC punishment. Despite being a monster, Chubb has excellent vision and speed to be a big-time player immediately.
Why he wont: Georgias backfield is crowded, and assuming Keith Marshall is healthy, the bulk of the carries will go to Gurley and Marshall. Sony Michel could also show up ready to contribute immediately.
Leonard Fournette, LSU
Why he will: Dubbed the next Adrian Peterson, Leonard Fournette is the total package and may be the most talented player in the country, regardless of age. At 6-1, 226 pounds, if you could build the prototypical back, Fournettes it. The Tigers offensive line is a veteran group, and he could become the top back immediately in an offense thats conducive for many carries.
Why he wont: Seniors Terrence Magee and Kenny Hilliard have both proven they are capable of being the featured back, and there may not be enough carries for Fournette to even get to 1,000 yards.
Jalen Hurd, Tennessee
Why he will: Hurd could be a perfect fit for Tennessees offense and could become the featured back over returner Marlin Lane. Butch Jones goal is to put playmakers in space, and Hurd could be a key catalyst for an improved offense. Knowing Rajion Neal rushed for 1,124 yards, Jones offense will run the football. Hurd could be the recipient of the most carries.
Why he wont: Despite the running game being a base for the offense, the passing game has to improve. But the biggest liability to Hurd not getting 1,000 yards may be the offensive line. The Vols replace all five starters, and inexperience will headline the group.
Article from Saturday Down South
Several coaches hope to be able to answer that question with their signees this year.
Over the last several years, the conference has seen some wide-eyed, uber-talented running backs make instant splashes. Over the last 10 years, six true freshmen running backs have rushed for 1,000 yards:
Darren McFadden, Arkansas 1,113 yards (2005)
Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina, 1,197 yards (2010)
Michael Dyer, Auburn 1,093 yards (2010)
Todd Gurley, Georgia, 1,385 yards (2012)
TJ Yeldon, Alabama, 1,108 yards (2012)
Alex Collins, Arkansas, 1,026 yards (2013)
The most recent back to eclipse the mark was Arkansas freshman Alex Collins, who hit the mark with virtually no passing game helping offset the running game. Collins had a fantastic year in 2013, rushing for 1,026 yards. TJ Yeldon and Todd Gurley were the two to beat the mark in 2012.
RELATED: Will Mark Richt run Gurley too much in 2014?
So, which freshmen will rush for 1,000 yards in 2014? Lucky for you, weve narrowed down five frontrunners who were all top 10 high school running backs:
Nick Chubb, Georgia
Why he will: Chubb is the most like Todd Gurley and is physically ready for the SEC punishment. Despite being a monster, Chubb has excellent vision and speed to be a big-time player immediately.
Why he wont: Georgias backfield is crowded, and assuming Keith Marshall is healthy, the bulk of the carries will go to Gurley and Marshall. Sony Michel could also show up ready to contribute immediately.
Leonard Fournette, LSU
Why he will: Dubbed the next Adrian Peterson, Leonard Fournette is the total package and may be the most talented player in the country, regardless of age. At 6-1, 226 pounds, if you could build the prototypical back, Fournettes it. The Tigers offensive line is a veteran group, and he could become the top back immediately in an offense thats conducive for many carries.
Why he wont: Seniors Terrence Magee and Kenny Hilliard have both proven they are capable of being the featured back, and there may not be enough carries for Fournette to even get to 1,000 yards.
Jalen Hurd, Tennessee
Why he will: Hurd could be a perfect fit for Tennessees offense and could become the featured back over returner Marlin Lane. Butch Jones goal is to put playmakers in space, and Hurd could be a key catalyst for an improved offense. Knowing Rajion Neal rushed for 1,124 yards, Jones offense will run the football. Hurd could be the recipient of the most carries.
Why he wont: Despite the running game being a base for the offense, the passing game has to improve. But the biggest liability to Hurd not getting 1,000 yards may be the offensive line. The Vols replace all five starters, and inexperience will headline the group.
Article from Saturday Down South