The five best SEC backfields ever … talk about a challenging assignment.

In a league known for its running back greatness including Hall of Famers Herschel Walker and Bo Jackson, we tried to broaden the scope a bit by selecting a handful of the most talented single-season units in league history, top to bottom dominance in the backfield leading to national success.

It should be noted that you can’t go wrong with any of these running back groups and there’s several other historical notables worthy of mention as well. All 13 ballcarriers mentioned in this post were eventually drafted.

5. Tennessee 1998

  • Jamal Lewis, Soph.: 497 yards, 3 TD
  • Travis Henry, Soph.: 970 yards, 7 TD
  • Travis Stephens, Soph: 477 yards, 3 TD

1998 totals: 1,944 yards, 13 TD (3 eventual draft picks)

This standout sophomore group combined for 1,944 yards and 13 touchdowns during the 1998 season, paving the way — with quarterback Tee Martin’s help — for one of the most thrilling campaigns in program history as the Vols finished 13-0 and won the first-ever BCS National Championship. Lewis, Henry and Stephens each posted 1,000-yard seasons during their stint in Knoxville and were all selected in the NFL draft.

4. Alabama 2010

  • Mark Ingram, Jr.: 875 yards, 13 TD
  • Trent Richardson, Soph.: 700 yards, 6 TD
  • Eddie Lacy, RS Frosh.: 406 yards, 6 TD

2010 totals: 1,981 yards, 25 TD (former Heisman, future Doak Walker, 3 eventual draft picks including NFL Off. Rookie of the Year)

Led by Ingram, the program’s first Heisman winner the previous season, Alabama’s rushing attack had more starpower than overall production during the 2010 season, but each of the featured backs enjoyed stellar careers. Richardson rushed for 1,679 yards and won the Doak Walker the following season for the BCS champs while Lacy helped the Crimson Tide win back-to-back titles with a standout 1,300-yard 2012 campaign.

3. Auburn 2004

  • Cadillac Williams, Sr.: 1,165 yards, 12 TD
  • Ronnie Brown, RS Sr.: 913 yards, 8 TD

2004 totals: 2,078 yards, 20 TD (2 eventual Top 5 picks including NFL Off. Rookie of the Year)

A third-place finish in the final BCS rankings spoiled a national championship season as one of two unbeatens, but the Tigers’ impressive run through the SEC during the 2004 campaign was one of the most impressive in league history. Offensive coordinator Al Borges directed a run-heavy spread offense with both of his All-SEC running backs along with quarterback Jason Campbell. The thunder and lightning duo of Brown and Williams was one of the SEC’s best ever.

2. Georgia 1942

  • Frank Sinkwich, Sr.: 828 yards, 17 TD
  • Charley Trippi, Soph.: 787 yards, 6 TD

1942 totals: 1,615 yards rushing, 23 TD; 2,058 yards passing, 15 TD (2 eventual No. 1 picks)

Anchored by two future No. 1 picks, the Bulldogs’ national championship backfield in 1942 has to be considered the program’s best ever. The veteran Sinkwich won the Heisman with 17 rushing touchdowns while Trippi, soon to have his collegiate career interrupted by World War II, earned the first of two All-American honors during his tenure. What’s incredible about this individual season was the fact Sinkwich and Trippi also combined for over 2,000 yards passing and were responsible for 15 touchdown passes (and 15 picks) combined.

1. Arkansas 2007

  • Darren McFadden, Jr.: 1,830 yards, 16 TD
  • Felix Jones, Jr.: 1,162 yards, 11 TD
  • Peyton Hills, Sr.: 347 yards, 2 TD

2007 stats: 3,339 yards, 29 TD (3 eventual draft picks, multiple individual honors)

Multiple All-American honors between the trio and two Doak Walker Awards courtesy of McFadden during their careers with the Razorbacks, this group formed the SEC’s most lethal backfield in league history. McFadden and Jones were first-round picks while Hillis, primarily a lead blocker at fullback at Arkansas, eventually made the cover of Madden as a featured back for the Cleveland Browns. The depth was unreal under Houston Nutt and the Razorbacks’ talent was reflected by their success on the field.