The SEC sent an NCAA-best 12 running backs to this week’s NFL Combine, including several earl-entry guys.

It’s a testament to the conference’s talent at the position that there shouldn’t be a drop-off. Five of the seven 1,000-yard rushers from 2014 will return, as well as four other players with at least 899 yards.

Four of the 10 best returnees are only sophomores this fall, making for an exciting season vying for the title of best in the conference.

Here are the Top 10 returning SEC running backs ranked by their rushing yards in 2014.

Player ’15 Class School ’14 Rushing Yards TDs Yds/Carry
1. Nick Chubb Sophomore Georgia 1,547 14 7.1
2. Jonathan Williams Senior Arkansas 1,190 12 5.6
3. Alex Collins Junior Arkansas 1,100 12 5.4
4. Russell Hansbrough Senior Missouri 1,084 10 5.3
5. Leonard Fournette Sophomore LSU 1,034 10 5.5
6. Derrick Henry Junior Alabama 990 11 5.8
7. Dak Prescott Senior Mississippi State 986 14 4.7
8. Ralph Webb Sophomore Vanderbilt 907 4 4.3
9. Jalen Hurd Sophomore Tennessee 899 5 4.7
10. Jaylen Walton Senior Ole Miss 586 5 5.5

Auburn produced the SEC’s leading rusher in each of Gus Malzahn’s seasons as head coach, but will have to count on junior college transfer Javon Robinson in pursuit of a three-peat.

The sophomore class of Chubb, Fournette, Webb and Hurd could produce four 1,000-yard rushers.

Can Williams and Collins go back-to-back at more than 1,000 yards?

Which running backs will enter the NFL draft early after the season?

There’s plenty of intrigue at the position.