Top 10 SEC running backs for 2021 season

John Shelton

May 20, 2021 at 10:00 AM·4 min read

SEC talent is always at the top of college football, and this year is no different, especially when it comes to running backs.

In 2020, the league’s rushers were led by Alabama Heisman finalist Najee Harris, who was drafted in the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers in this year’s NFL draft.

But who will lead the rushing attacks for SEC programs in 2021?

We rank the top 10 SEC running backs for 2021 by production and overall ability:

No. 10: Dameon Pierce, Florida

Florida running back Dameon Pierce (27) looks for a way past Georgia defensive back Tyson Campbell (3) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

2020 stats: 106 carries for 503 yards (4.7 avg.) with four touchdowns. 17 catches for 156 yards and a touchdown

No. 9: Trelon Smith, Arkansas

Dec. 5, 2020; Columbia, Missouri; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Trelon Smith (22) runs for a touchdown against the Missouri Tigers during the second half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

2020 stats: 134 carries for 710 yards (5.3 avg.) and five touchdowns. 22 receptions for 159 yards and a touchdown.

No. 8: James Cook, Georgia

Dec. 12, 2020; Columbia, Missouri; Georgia Bulldogs running back James Cook (4) runs for a touchdown against Missouri Tigers defensive back Ishmael Burdine (24) during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

2020 stats: 45 carries for 303 yards (6.7 avg.) and three touchdowns. 16 receptions for 225 yards and two touchdowns.

No. 7: Jerrion Ealy, Ole Miss

Oct. 31, 2020; Nashville, Tennessee; Mississippi Rebels running back Jerrion Ealy (9) runs for a first down against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at Vanderbilt Stadium. Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

2020 stats: 147 carries for 745 yards (5.1 avg.) and nine touchdowns. 15 receptions for 155 yards and a touchdown.

No. 6: Brian Robinson, Alabama

Jan. 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Brian Robinson Jr. (4) runs the ball against Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Tuf Borland (32) during the third quarter in the 2021 College Football Playoff national championship game. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

2020 stats: 91 carries for 483 yards (5.3 avg.) and six touchdowns. Six receptions for 26 yards.

No. 5: Chris Rodriguez, Kentucky

Oct. 31, 2020; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (24) runs with the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs in the first half at Kroger Field. Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

2020 stats: 119 carries for 785 yards (6.6 avg.) and 11 touchdowns. One reception for 12 yards.

No. 4: Isaiah Spiller, Texas A&M

Jan. 2, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida; Texas A&M Aggies running back Isaiah Spiller (28) runs with the football for a touchdown against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first quarter of the game at Hard Rock Stadium. Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

2020 stats: 188 carries for 1,036 yards (5.5. avg.) and nine touchdowns. 20 receptions for 193 yards.

No. 3: Zamir White, Georgia

Georgia Bulldogs running back Zamir White (3) scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The Georgia Bulldogs won, 22-21.

2020 stats: 144 carries for 779 yards (5.4 avg.) and 11 touchdowns. Six receptions for 37 yards.

No. 2: Kevin Harris, South Carolina

Dec. 5, 2020; Lexington, Kentucky; South Carolina Gamecocks running back Kevin Harris (20) scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Arden Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

2020 stats: 185 carries for 1,138 yards (6.2 avg.) and 16 touchdowns. 21 receptions for 159 yards and a touchdown.

No. 1: Tank Bigsby, Auburn

Auburn running back Tank Bigsby (4) runs into the end zone for a touchdown during Auburn football A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, April 17, 2021.

2020 stats: 138 attempts for 834 yards (6.0 avg.) and five touchdowns. 11 receptions for 84 yards.

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