The SEC is loaded at the running back position.

There’s a few teams that have multiple All-SEC caliber ballcarriers, but the notable sophomore headliners are the ones who have dominated the preseason discussion — Nick Chubb, Leonard Fournette and Jalen Hurd.

There’s second-year standouts Boom Williams and Ralph Webb as well. The Arkansas tandem of Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins, along with ESPN coverboy and Alabama’s lead Derrick Henry, represent the elder statesmen of the group.

RELATED: Top rushing teams in SEC history | Five deepest backfields in the SEC this season

Heading into a season with much doubt at the quarterback position, perhaps the SEC’s running backs will carry the league back to the College Football Playoff.

Editor’s Note: A team’s rushing production projection is based on the team’s total yards on the ground — from starters to second, and sometimes, third-teamers. These figures will not necessarily reflect the order of our top tailback tandems released shortly after spring practice ended.

The SEC’s five best rushing offenses in 2015 will be …

5. Alabama Crimson Tide

Preferred combo: Derrick Henry
Underrated weapon: Kenyan Drake
Projected production: 2,801 yards, 30 TDs

Why it’s deadly: Alabama’s backfield depth took a serious hit recently when DeSherrius Flowers was ruled academically ineligible for the fall semester. That leaves the workhorse Henry, multi-position threat Drake and five-star freshman Damien Harris as the Crimson Tide’s scholarship ballcarriers currently available. For the first time in his career, Henry will be the featured back and won’t have to share the rushing load with T.J. Yeldon. Drake’s capable of a 1,000-yard campaign himself with enough carries, but Alabama will presumably bring him back slowly coming off a surgically-repaired leg. The Crimson Tide’s rushing offense is the wild-card in this list.

4. LSU Tigers

Preferred combo: Leonard Fournette
Underrated weapon: Darrel Williams
Projected production: 2,850 yards, 28 TDs

Why it’s deadly: On a more complete offense, Fournette’s likely the SEC’s Heisman frontrunner, a human wrecking ball who just so happens to carry a pigskin when he goes to work. Defenses better bring their hard hats in prep for Fournette this season, a possible 1,500-yard, 20-touchdown caliber talent. Williams is LSU’s No. 2 and should enjoy the increased carries this fall. Two touted true freshmen, Derrius Guice and Nick Brossette (both bruisers), will see action as well. LSU may not have the deepest backfield in the league, but the Tigers own the toughest.

3. Arkansas Razorbacks

Preferred option: Jonathan Williams
Underrated weapon: Alex Collins and Kody Walker
Projected production: 3,081 yards, 32 TDs

Why it’s deadly: After posting 1,000-yard seasons last fall, will Williams and Collins attempt the eclipse the 1,500-yard barrier? It sounds a bit unrealistic considering Dan Enos has promised to involve Brandon Allen within the offense, but the Razorbacks’ running game as a unit will be strong enough to accomplish that feat. Anchored by its veteran offensive line, Arkansas’ best shot at winning the Western Division title this season is feeding its two beasts who are hungrier than ever after a seven-win campaign.

2. Auburn Tigers

Preferred option: Jovon Robinson
Underrated weapons: Roc Thomas and Peyton Barber
Projected production: 3,150 yards, 31 TDs

Why it’s deadly: Robinson figures to make the biggest impact in the SEC as far as JUCO transfers go after moving out in front of Thomas and Barber during the spring. Malzahn will use all three high-quality running backs in his arsenal early on until one separates from the group, much like Tre Mason and Cameron Artis-Payne have done each of the past two seasons. We know this offense will produce fat numbers offensively in Malzahn’s system. Don’t forget about quarterback Jeremy Johnson who could easily tack on another 500 yards rushing and a couple scores himself.

1. Georgia Bulldogs

Preferred option: Nick Chubb
Underrated weapons: Sony Michel and Keith Marshall
Projected production: 3,299 yards, 37 TDs

Why it’s deadly: Not since Arkansas during the 2006 and 2007 seasons with Darren McFadden has an SEC team led the league in rushing consecutive years, but the Bulldogs have a grand opportunity to do so this season without All-American Todd Gurley. Heisman candidate Chubb leads one of college football’s most complete backfields, a near five-player rotation capable of wearing down a defense or hitting the home run at any moment. Marshall’s back from injury and Michel’s role will expand as a ballcarrier now that Isaiah McKenzie and Terry Godwin will hold down the slot. It would be unfair to talk Georgia running backs without mentioning A.J. Turman, a spring all-star, and Brendan Douglas. Both are viable options in reserve situations. Like Arkansas, Georgia’s veteran-led offensive line deserves much of the credit.