Going back-to-back is difficult. Not just for teams, either.

The SEC is so deep and so competitive that it’s rare for an individual statistical leader to repeat the feat.

For instance, Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett was the most recent QB to lead the league in passing yards in consecutive seasons, and that happened in 2009 and 2010.

Can any SEC star repeat in 2021?

These 5 standouts have the best chance.

Kevin Harris — rushing yards per game

Najee Harris had the most rushing yards last season, but South Carolina’s Kevin Harris led the league in rushing yards per game at 113.8. Nobody has retained that title since Arkansas’ Darren McFadden in 2006 and 2007.

Harris has a chance primarily because he’ll still be the featured threat in South Carolina’s offense. A healthy MarShawn Lloyd will contend for carries, but South Carolina isn’t equipped to throw the ball 45 times a game. That day might arrive, but it won’t be in 2021. The Gamecocks averaged just 29.5 pass attempts in 2020. Even if that number climbs to 35 with a new scheme and approach, that still leaves Kevin Harris plenty of opportunities. Keep in mind, he only averaged 18.5 carries per game last season and he did a lot of his damage in spurts. He led the SEC in rushing plays covering 20+ yards (11), 30+ yards (8) and 40+ yards (6). South Carolina won’t wear him down and jeopardize that big-play ability.

Chris Rodriguez — yards per carry

Rodriguez averaged 6.60 yards per carry last season — most among SEC rushers who had at least 50 attempts. Obviously, he shared the load (just 119 rushes or 13.2 per game), which helped keep him strong and fresh. Kentucky might be tempted to increase his workload to 20 or more carries per game, but Rodriguez is at his best when he’s bullying tired defenses. Anything over 20 carries per game will impact his biggest strength.

Matt Corral — 50+ yard passing plays

Sure, Corral led the SEC by throwing 14 interceptions in 2020. There’s a chance he could hold onto that dubious distinction in 2021, but let’s focus on the positive.

John Rhys Plumlee plays baseball, but Corral is Lane Kiffin’s home-run hitter.

Corral led the SEC by completing 11 passes that covered at least 50 yards last season. He did that in fewer games, too, than Mac Jones or Kyle Trask. It’s worth noting that 7 of those balls went to Elijah Moore and Kenny Yeboah, but it’s not like Kiffin hasn’t recruited qualified replacements.

Corral averaged 32.6 attempts last season, 3rd-most in the SEC. I expect that number to grow closer to 40 in 2021. More attempts will generally be an exciting thing for the Rebels.

Grant Morgan — tackles per game

Auburn’s Zakoby McClain led the SEC in tackles with 113. That was 2 more than Morgan had, but McClain played in 2 more games.

Morgan led the SEC in tackles per game with 12.33. That was the highest total since 2015, when Missouri’s Kentrell Brothers averaged 12.67.

Morgan, who earned first-team All-SEC honors last season, had options but decided to return to Arkansas for a super-senior season.

Will Reichard — extra points

This is probably the easiest prediction to make.

Alabama kickers have led the SEC in made extra points 4 times in the past 9 seasons, including last season when Reichard was a perfect 84-for-84. He won the extra-point title by an astounding 32 — despite playing in just 2 more games than runner-up Evan McPherson.

Alabama has averaged at least 45 points per game in each of the past 3 seasons.

Nobody expects Alabama to match its 2020 pace, but the offense isn’t backing off, either.