By: Kenneth Harrison

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

The SEC has produced a ton of talent over the years.

One of the strongest positions is running back. I want to examine the rich history of the position and see who the best RB in conference history is.

Darren McFadden (Arkansas): He’s the third leading rusher in conference history with 4,590 yards.

McFadden played for the Razorbacks for three seasons (2005-07). He improved his rushing total every year and rushed for 1,830 yards and 16 touchdowns in his final season.

He tied the SEC single game record with 321 rushing yards against South Carolina.

In the 2007 season finale against No. 1 LSU McFadden rushed for 206 yards, 3 TD’s and helped pull off a huge upset.

Bo Jackson (Auburn): Jackson is a legendary athlete and two sport star. He played four years at Auburn and had two seasons with at least one thousand yards.

As a senior he rushed for 1,786 yards and 17 scores. At the time it was the second most rushing yards in a season in conference history.

He won the Heisman trophy in 1985. Jackson is fifth in all-time conference rushing yards with 4,303.

As a sophomore Bo rushed for 1,213 yards, 12 touchdowns and led the Tigers to an 11-1 record.

Kevin Faulk (LSU): This is a forgotten name that deserves some respect. He spent four seasons in Baton Rouge and rushed for more than one thousand yards in his final three.

He was also a threat to catch passes out of the backfield. In that respect he might be the most complete back in SEC history.

As a senior he ran for 1,279 yards, 12 TD’s, 22 receptions and 3 receiving scores. He’s fourth on the all-time SEC rushing list with 4,557.

Errict Rhett (Florida):  When we think of the Gators of the early 90’s Steve Spurrier and passing come to mind.

Rhett did a lot of damage on the ground, racking up two thousand-yard seasons. His lowest rushing total was 845 yards as a freshman, but he averaged 5.7 yards per carry.

He’s seventh on the SEC rushing list with 4,163 yards.

Herschel Walker (Georgia): Walker was a workhorse in Athens. He led the Bulldogs to an undefeated season and national championship as a true freshman in 1980.

He was phenomenal and that was his lowest rushing total of his career. Herschel ran for 1,616 yards, 1,891 yards and 1,752 yards.

He won the Heisman Trophy in 1982 and led the Dawgs to an 11-1 record. They were undefeated and ranked No.1 going into the Sugar Bowl.

He’s the leading rusher in conference history with 5,259 yards. His stats do not include bowl games, which is impressive.

Derrick Henry (Alabama): Henry is a big, bruising back.

His first two seasons weren’t spectacular. As a junior in 2015 he broke out with 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns.

He led the Crimson Tide to a 14-1 record and national championship. Henry also won the Heisman as a junior before departing for the NFL.

Emmitt Smith (Florida): Smith ran wild in Gainesville for three seasons (1987-89). His only season under one thousand yards was as a sophomore (988) but he missed two games due to injury.

He averaged over 5 ypc each year. As a junior he ran for 1,599 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Honorable Mention: Nick Chubb (UGA), Dalton Hilliard (LSU), Mark Ingram (Alabama), Charles Alexander (LSU), Cadillac Williams (Auburn)

There are several great backs to choose from but I think Herschel Walker has to be at the top of the list.