Who are the top running backs in SEC history?

We’ve spent the last several weeks flipping through team-specific media guides, glancing over highlight film and nearly coming to blows at our home office determining this 25-member comprehensive list of the league’s best running backs.

Editor’s note: The SDS staff weighed multiple factors during our SEC’s all-time running back rankings process including career statistics, individual awards, importance to their respective team and the era in which they played.

10.) MARK INGRAM, ALABAMA (2008-10)

The Crimson Tide’s first Heisman winner in their impeccable 100-plus year history, Ingram set Alabama’s single-season rushing record with 1,658 yards in 2010 and helped lead Nick Saban’s squad to an unbeaten, national championship-winning season. Ingram’s sophomore campaign was one of the best ever for a running back after he also took home the SEC’s player of the year honor.

He was named the BCS Championship Game MVP that season with 116 yards and 2 touchdowns during a 37-21 win over Texas. The unanimous All-American selection set an Alabama record the previous season with 12 touchdowns as a true freshman. Ingram’s 3,261 career rushing yards is fifth-best all-time at the Capstone, but his 42 career trips to the end zone is one more than legend Shaun Alexander for a program-best.

Ingram skipped his senior season for the NFL draft in 2011 and was selected in the first round by the New Orleans Saints. A situational, all-purpose back at the next level, Ingram was invited to his first Pro Bowl last season.

Career numbers:

3,261 yards rushing, 42 TD; 670 yards receiving, 4 TD

Individual superlatives:

All-American (2009); All-SEC (2008-09), SEC Off. POTY (2009); Heisman Trophy (2009)

NFL Draft:

No. 28 overall in 2011

9.) ERRICT RHETT, FLORIDA (1990-93)

This two-time SEC champion for Steve Spurrier in Gainesville was an all-purpose threat who broke Emmit Smith’s career rushing record at the program with 4,163 yards and 34 career touchdowns on the ground.

Rhett led the SEC in rushing and yards from scrimmage during both of Florida’s league title seasons (1991 and 1993) as a player who rarely came off the field. The Gators lacked depth in the backfield and despite the Head Ball Coach’s pass-happy philosophy, relied on Rhett as a run-catch option when they needed tough yardage.

A second-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1994, Rhett tallied 4,143 yards rushing and 29 touchdowns over seven NFL seasons.

Career numbers:

4,163 yards rushing, 34 TD; 1,230 yards receiving, 2 TD

Individual superlatives:

All-American (1993); All-SEC (1991; 1993); SEC POTY (1993); Florida Hall of Fame; Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame

NFL Draft:

No. 34 overall (second round) in 1994

8.) FRANK SINKWICH, GEORGIA (1940-42)

The SEC’s first Heisman winner as a unanimous election in 1942, this two-time All-American transcended college football as an all-purpose offensive threat, accumulating 60 career touchdowns as a halfback and signal caller in the Bulldogs’ single-wing attack.

As a junior in 1941, he led the nation in rushing with just over 1,100 yards then followed that up with a record-setting senior season as the Heisman winner. Sinkwich, who now had a sidekick with fullback Charley Trippy, eclipsed the previous NCAA mark with 2,187 yards of total offense for the 11-1 Bulldogs.

After receiving a medical discharge from the Marine Corps, Sinkwich signed with the Detroit Lions in 1943 as the top overall selection. He earned NFL MVP honors during his second professional season.

Career numbers:

2,271 yards rushing, 30 TD; 2,331 yards passing, 30 TD

Individual superlatives:

All-American (1941-42) Heisman Trophy (1942); College Football Hall of Fame; Georgia Sports Hall of Fame

NFL Draft:

No. 1 overall in 1943

7.) SHAUN ALEXANDER, ALABAMA (1996-99)

As decorated a NFL back as he was in Tuscaloosa, Alabama’s all-time leading rusher played under Mike Dubose and led the Crimson Tide to an SEC Championship as a senior and two-time all-league standout.

Alexander posted consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to close out his college career, leading the SEC in rushing touchdowns (13; 19) both years. Dubose made sure the football was in his best player’s hands as Alexander was the league’s leader in plays from scrimmage as well.

Alexander still holds Crimson Tide records for most rushing yards (291) and rushing touchdowns (5) in a single game.

In eight seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, Alexander set new franchise records that still stand today for attempts, yards and rushing touchdowns. His 28 total touchdowns during an incredible MVP 2005 season broke a single-season record. Alexander’s a member of the NFL’s 2000s All-Decade Team.

Career numbers:

3,565 yards rushing, 41 TD; 798 yards receiving, 8 TD

Individual superlatives:

All-SEC (1998-99)

NFL Draft:

No. 19 overall in 2000

6.) EMMITT SMITH, FLORIDA (1987-89)

Another player known just as well for a brilliant NFL career, Smith still holds several Florida rushing records including most yards in a game (316), most rushing touchdowns for a running back (36) and the highest single-season mark (1,599). The Gators’ only three-time All-SEC tailback in program history, Smith was the SEC’s Player of the Year in 1989 as the league’s leading rusher and a unanimous All-American.

Upon Steve Spurrier’s arrival in 1990, Smith skipped his senior season in fear of a diminished role in a pass-centric offense. The rest, as they say, was history as Smith went on to become the NFL’s all-time greatest rusher with the Dallas Cowboys In 15 professional seasons, Smith won three Super Bowls and registered an all-time best 18,355 yards and 164 touchdowns.

Career numbers:

3,928 yards rushing, 36 TD; 463 yards receiving, TD

Individual superlatives:

All-American (1989); All-SEC (1987-89); SEC Player of the Year (1989); Florida Hall of Fame; College Football Hall of Fame; Gators Ring of Honor; Pro Football Hall of Fame

NFL Draft:

No. 17 overall in 1990