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If you could build the perfect SEC running back, which characteristics and traits from current players would you use during the process?
Think creatively and have some fun. Football is meant to be enjoyed.
First, let’s start with Derrick Henry’s frame. He’s an NFL linebacker in a college tailback’s freakish body. At 6-foot-3, nearly 250 pounds, Henry is the backfield tank in the SEC, armed with great speed and power who can manage tough yards between the tackles or out-run the secondary to the boundary on his way to the end zone.
Alex Collins’ superhuman quickness delivers based on a need for vision and agility. The Razorbacks’ No. 2 behind featured bruiser Jonathan Williams has perhaps the shiftiest feet in the SEC and his elusiveness is his greatest strength. You often see the crown of his helmet when he’s tip-toeing into the second level, not knowing his next move. Collins has posted consecutive 1,000-yard seasons but ironically hasn’t had a 100-yard game past September. Weird.
Frankenstein’s ball-carrying monster must have Nick Chubb’s durability. As a freshman, Georgia’s second-teamer spelled Todd Gurley following a suspension after the fifth game of the season, he proceeded to rarely come off the field over the next two months. Over the Bulldogs’ final eight contests, Chubb’s 1,323 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns led the SEC. His 188 carries over that span was second only to Cameron Artis-Payne’s 193.
Extra juice is needed, so let’s go with Leonard Fournette’s playmaking ability. The kid will be a Heisman finalist at least once over the next two seasons before he departs Baton Rouge after three 1,000-yard seasons. Not only did Fournette live up to the five-star hype as a freshman, he became one of the league’s most dominant players after earning a starting role over the second half of the season. He delivers the home-run threat in our creation.
Give me Jalen Hurd’s competitive edge. What’s the obvious advantage heading into his sophomore season? Confidence. He established a certain swagger over his final five starts, posting three 100-yard games last season. Built like a tall and lanky receiver, Hurd’s a serious threat to score every time he touches the football. We could use an added dimension of athleticism and that level of trust while building the perfect back.
And lastly, let’s sprinkle in some of Gus Malzahn’s offensive philosophy. It’s cheating a bit, but we want this being to be properly utilized. Inside zone, inverted veer, jet sweep … give me this guy’s scheme and I’ll produce a 1,000-yard rusher with my creation. Predicated on misdirection and tempo, Malzahn’s offense has evolved into a run-based spread that attacks defenses at every angle. His philosophy relies on players not being set on the other side of the football and taking advantage of mismatches. The personnel is often interchangeable, but production never lacks. He’s one of college football’s top offensive masterminds and through two SEC seasons as a head coach, has directed a unit averaging 293.2 rushing yards per game.
