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SEC Power Poll Ballot: Pre-Season Runningbacks Ranking

Who has the best runningback groups in the SEC?

Streeter Lecka

Here's my vote for which teams have the best runningback groups in the SEC.

1. Alabama Crimson Tide

Would you believe that Heisman-contender T.J. Yeldon isn't Alabama's best back? That's what many in Tuscaloosa think, as they expect Derrick Henry will eat up a lot of Yeldon's carries.

2. South Carolina Gamecocks

The Gamecocks feature a deep group of backs. Mike Davis is the leader, but Brandon Wilds and Shon Carson provide reliable backups, and RS freshman David Williams could be Davis's heir apparent.

3. Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia's Todd Gurley is probably the best back in the SEC. However, after Gurley, there are some question marks. Keith Marshall is talented and has shown flashes, but how well will he come back from a gruesome knee injury? The Dawgs have a couple of excellent true freshman in the wings if Marshall isn't ready.

4. Arkansas Razorbacks

The rest of the Hogs' offense wasn't much to speak about, but Arkansas has an excellent runningback tandem in Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams. Can the rest of the offense do its part to put these guys in position to shine?

5. LSU Tigers

Although Jeremy Hill is gone, don't expect a huge dropoff from this group. LSU always has a deep stable of backs, and this year should be no different. Terrence Magee and Kenny Hilliard are expected to get most of the carries right now, but watch out for big-time recruit Leonard Fournette to make his presence known quickly.

6. Auburn Tigers

Tre Mason is gone, but there are plenty of backs here, led by Cameron Artis-Payne, to excel in Gus Malzahn's system.

7. Texas A&M Aggies

The Aggies have a deep group of reliable backs in place to help weather the loss of Johnny Manziel and Mike Evans.

8. Missouri Tigers

The Tigers' running game will be led by Russell Hansborough and Marcus Murphy and looks to be a good one.

9. Tennessee Volunteers

Marlin Lane returns for his senior season, and the Vols bring in a good class of freshman backs, led by five-star recruit Jalen Hurd. The question is whether the offensive line can open any holes for these guys.

10. Florida Gators

This unit lacks star power but has several players who look like they could be primed for breakout years.

11. Ole Miss Rebels

Ole Miss has a solid group of backs who can work in Hugh Freeze's system, but they don't have any star power.

12. Mississippi St. Bulldogs

Josh Robinson and Nick Griffin form the core of a solid Miss. St. backfield.

13. Vanderbilt Commodores

Vandy has a solid group of backs left over from the recruiting successes of James Franklin.

14. Kentucky Wildcats

Leading rusher Jojo Kemp is back, and the 'Cats also have a transfer from Nebraska, Braylon Heard, who may be able to help.