1. Todd Gurley, Jr., RB, Georgia

Like a shark who smells blood sifting through chum, Gurley’s best attribute is his ability to step on the throats of opponents in the fourth quarter and go for the kill shot when defenses are gassed. The SEC’s projected leader in man yards this season, Gurley’s back at full strength following an injury-riddled sophomore campaign and has a personal goal of surpassing the 1,500-yard mark.

Gurley delivers the league’s biggest impact and is Georgia’s most important factor in capturing the program’s third East crown in four seasons. By Week 7, Gurley should eclipse the 3,000-yard career rushing mark, becoming the fourth Bulldog to do so joining Herschel Walker, Garrison Hearst and Lars Tate.

If the SEC’s best player and nation’s top running back can swat the injury bug and doesn’t miss time, Gurley will be in New York as a Heisman finalist.

RELATED: Ranking the SEC’s Running Backs for 2014

2013 statistics: 165 carries, 989 yds, 10 TD; 37 catches, 441 yds
2014 projection: 221 carries, 1,329 yds, 13 TD; 33 catches, 393 yds, TD