Derrick Henry ran for an SEC-record 2,219 yards last season.
Nobody saw that total coming — and not just because Herschel Walker’s record had stood since 1981.
Excluding freshmen, who start from scratch, Henry’s 1,229-yard increase from the previous season was the SEC’s biggest in the past five years.
But not by much.
Last year alone, two other 1,000-yard rushers added at least 900 yards to their 2014 totals.
There are many reasons for the huge gains — more carries, more opportunities, stars leaving, injuries, etc. — which gives hope to 2016 running back class, most notably Bo Scarbrough (104 yards in 2015), who could challenge Henry’s surge.
Here’s a look at the 10 biggest one-year increases in the past five seasons — all of whom added at least 800 yards from their previous season.
1. Derrick Henry, Alabama
- 2015: 2,219
- 2014: 990
- Increase: 1,229 yards
2. Cameron Artis-Payne, Auburn
- 2014: 1,608
- 2013: 610
- Increase: 998 yards
3. Trent Richardson, Alabama
- 2011: 1,679
- 2010: 700
- Increase: 979 yards
4. Peyton Barber, Auburn
- 2015: 1,016
- 2014: 54
- Increase: 962 yards
5. Leonard Fournette, LSU
- 2015: 1,953
- 2014: 1,034
- Increase: 919 yards
6. Mike Davis, South Carolina
- 2013: 1,183
- 2012: 275
- Increase: 908 yards
7. Zac Stacy, Vanderbilt
- 2011: 1,193
- 2010: 331
- Increase: 862
8. Tre Mason, Auburn
- 2012: 1,002
- 2011: 161
- Increase: 841
9. Mike Gillislee, Florida
- 2012: 1,152
- 2011: 328
- Increase: 824
10. Tre Mason, Auburn
- 2013: 1,816
- 2012: 1,002
- Increase: 814
Managing Editor
A 30-time APSE award-winning editor with previous stints at the Miami Herald, The Indianapolis Star and News & Observer, Executive Editor Chris Wright oversees editorial operations for Saturday Down South.
