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.

20.) GARRISON HEARST, GEORGIA (1990-92)

This three-year standout set several school and SEC records as a junior in 1992, accumulating 21 total touchdowns for the 10-win Bulldogs. His 1,547-yard season is tied for the fourth-best single season total all-time between the hedges, more impressive than Todd Gurley’s career best as a freshman in 2012.

At the time of his departure, Hearst trailed only Herschel Walker on Georgia’s all-time rushing yardage (3,232), all-purpose yardage (3,934), and 100-yard rushing efforts (16) list. His 19 rushing touchdowns in 1992 is tied for the third-highest mark in SEC history for running backs.

Though Hearst’s final career numbers fell short of Gurley’s totals in Athens, he comes in ahead of TGIII in our ranking thanks to a pair of notable individual honors that only Walker shares with the future impact player for the 49ers — the SEC Player of the Year and Doak Walker awards in 1992.

Career numbers:

3,232 yards rushing, 33 TD; 546 yards receiving, 2 TD

Individual superlatives:

All-American (1992); SEC Player of the Year (1992) Doak Walker Award (1992); Citrus Bowl MVP (1993); Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame

NFL Draft:

No. 3 overall in 1993

19.) TRAVIS HENRY, TENNESSEE (1997-00)

The only player in school history to surpass 3,000 career rushing yards, Henry scored 26 touchdowns as a three-year starter for the Vols and managed a 1,314-yard senior season in 2000 despite splitting time with Jamal Lewis. During his tenure, Tennessee won 41 games overall including two SEC championships and the 1998 national title.

The Florida native is Tennessee’s record holder for rushing yards (3,078), attempts (556), and 100-yard games (14). He was taken in the second round by the Buffalo Bills in 2011 and posted three 1,000-yard seasons over the course of his seven-year career. In 90 career NFL games, Henry rushed for 6,086 yards and 38 touchdowns.

Career numbers:

3,078 yards rushing, 26 TD

Individual superlatives:

All-SEC (2000)

NFL Draft:

No. 58 overall (second round) in 2001

18.) TRENT RICHARDSON, ALABAMA (2009-11)

Richardson posted one of the Crimson Tide’s all-time best single-season performances during the 2011 campaign, rushing for a school-record 1,679 yards and 21 touchdowns during Alabama’s spirited run to a national championship. For his efforts, Richardson was named the SEC’s Offensive Player of the Year, won the Doak Walker Award (Alabama’s first) and earned a spot in New York as a Heisman finalist.

As a true freshman on Alabama’s 2009 unbeaten squad, Richardson was the thunder to Heisman winner Mark Ingram’s lightning, rushing for 751 yards and eight scores. For more touches as a sophomore, Richardson returned kicks and averaged 26.4 yards per return including a 91-yard touchdown. As the featured back in 2011, Richardson exploded to the program’s best single-season rushing total ever.

The two-time national champ skipped his senior campaign to enter the 2012 NFL draft where he was selected third overall by the Cleveland Browns. Following three mediocre seasons in Cleveland and Indianapolis, Richardson signed a two-year, $3.9 million contract with the Oakland Raiders in March.

Career numbers:

3,130 yards rushing, 35 TD; 730 yards receiving, 7 TD

Individual superlatives:

All-American (2011); All-SEC (2009-11); SEC Offensive POTY (2011); Doak Walker Award (2011)

NFL Draft:

No. 3 overall (second round) in 2012

17.) JOHNNY MUSSO, ALABAMA (1969-71)

The SEC’s leading rusher in 1970 and 1971, Musso was Bear Bryant’s workhorse in Alabama’s wishbone offense. In 1971, Musso finished fourth in Heisman voting and earned All-SEC and All-American status as one of the nation’s top ballcarriers after setting a league record with 16 rushing touchdowns for the 11-1 SEC champs.

Musso was the runaway choice for the league’s player of the year for his efforts. Alabama’s only loss that season came to Nebraska in the Orange Bowl.

Career numbers:

2,741 yards rushing, 34 TD; 495 yards receiving, 4 TD

Individual superlatives:

All-American (1970-71); All-SEC (1971); SEC Player of the Year (1971); Alabama Sports Hall of Fame (1989); College Football Hall of Fame (2000)

NFL Draft:

No. 62 overall (third round) in 1972

16.) CHARLIE FLOWERS, OLE MISS (1957-59)

One of Mississippi’s all-time greats, Flowers led the SEC in rushing during his sophomore and senior seasons, finishing with 1,730 yards during his career. Under the direction of legendary coach John Vaught, the Rebels finished 28-4-1 during Flowers’ tenure as the team’s primary offensive weapon.

Flowers earned consensus All-American status in 1959 along with his second consecutive All-SEC honor. Signed by the New York Giants as a senior in 1959, Flowers kept the contract secret so that he would be eligible to play in the Sugar Bowl.

Career numbers:

1,730 yards rushing, 13 TD

Individual superlatives:

All-American (1959); All-SEC (1958-59); SEC Legend (2012); Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame (1985); SEC Legends (1999); College Football Hall of Fame

NFL Draft:

No. 142 overall (12th round) in 1959