Few conferences can consistently generate NFL-caliber running backs like the SEC. In fact,  in the past 5 years the SEC leads all other conferences in the number of running backs drafted with 30. The Pac-12 is a distant second with 16, followed by the Big Ten (15), ACC (14) and Big 12 (10).

After seeing 4 RBs drafted in the first 59 picks in last springs NFL Draft, one might think the cupboard would be thin heading into 2019. That’s the case in other conferences, but not in the SEC, where elite running backs are replaced with the next wave of elite running backs.

So who are the top 10 RBs of the SEC heading into 2018?

10. Devwah Whaley, Arkansas

After giving tantalizing glimpses of his potential as a true freshman in 2016 rushing for 602 yards on 110 carries, Whaley took a bit of a step backward last fall, seeing his rushing yards dip to 559 on 127 carries (4.4 per carry), though he did increase his TDs from 3 to 7. The 5-11, 210-pounder is looking to bounce back in the new Chad Morris offense, which should be quicker and more spread out, which in theory should create wider rushing lanes for Whaley. He’s a well-rounded back who has enough power in his lower body to shrug off arm tackles and enough juice and burst to pick up chunk yardage when he sees some green in front of him. His vision should make him a good fit in the new scheme, where he can make one cut and get up field.

9. Larry Rountree III, Mizzou

Rountree enjoyed a breakout freshman campaign for the Tigers in 2017, rushing for 703 yards on 126 carries (5.6 yards per carry) with 6 TDs while also serving as the team’s primary kick returner. He has shown outstanding speed in the open field with the ability to make guys miss, and just enough strength and power to be effective between the tackles. Mizzou didn’t ask for much from the RBs in the passing game last year, hopefully that changes with Derek Dooley because you want to get Rountree the ball in space and let him go to work. He’s shown big time playmaking ability.

8. Aeris Williams, Mississippi State

The 6-1, 217-pound Williams has really done a nice job developing his game the past three years and has become one of the more consistent RBs in the SEC, finishing last year with 1,107 rushing yards on 236 carries (4.7 yards per carry) with 6 TDs. He has also shown a lot of development as a receiver out of the backfield and more than doubled his career receptions last year by hauling in 16 receptions for another 142 yards. He doesn’t have game-breaking speed, but he hits the hole hard and runs with good power. He’s yet another guy I’m eager to see in a new offensive scheme.

7. Jordan Scarlett, Florida

Big things were expected of Scarlett heading into last season after a big sophomore campaign in 2016, when he finished with 889 rushing yards on 179 carries (5.0 yards per carry) with 6 TDs. However, he wound up missing the entire season due to a suspension stemming from an alleged credit card scam. All accounts out of Gainesville in the spring indicate he hasn’t lost a step after quickly surpassing Lamical Perine and Malik Davis on the depth chart, two guys who capably filled in for Scarlett last year. Scarlett is a very talented back who, in Dan Mullen’s run-heavy scheme behind a good offensive line, could easily surpass the 1,000 yard-mark in 2018.

6. Najee Harris, Alabama

Harris is an absolute load at 6-2, 230 pounds, reminding some of Bo Scarbrough with his size and downhill running style. He tends to run too high, which isn’t a total surprise given his height, but shows underrated speed, burst and acceleration to go with his bruising strength. The former 5-star recruit played well as a true freshman last year, rushing for 370 yards on just 61 attempts (6.1 yards per carry) and adding 3 TDs while backing up Damien Harris. He’ll again come off the bench to spell the elder Harris, though I expect him to assume a larger role in the offense as his game matures.

5. Kam Martin, Auburn

Martin has been patiently waiting for his chance to become the feature back in the always strong Tigers rushing attack. With Kerryon Johnson and Kamryn Pettway off to the NFL, the stage is set for Martin to finally shine. The 5-10, 193-pound Martin has shown elite speed and burst, and is a threat to score any time he gets a step either on the outside or in the second level. He shows very good lateral quickness and change of direction skills, with the ability to make guys miss in the open field. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of production he can generate with an increased workload.

Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

4. Trayveon Williams, Texas A&M

There’s probably no one on the Aggies roster who will benefit more from the arrival of Jimbo Fisher than Williams, who should be an excellent fit in the new offense being installed. While the Aggies under Kevin Sumlin only produced two seasons with a RB surpassing 1,000 rushing yards, Fisher has had a 1000-yard back each of the past 5 years. The 5-9, 200-pound Williams has a similar skill to Dalvin Cook — who thrived in Fisher’s offense – with his ability to make one cut and get up field as well as make plays as a receiver out of the backfield. He’s very quick with light feet and the ability to dance and juke his way to the seam where his burst gives him the opportunity for chunk yardage.

3. Benny Snell, Kentucky

Snell has gone from a being a rather unheralded 3-star prospect to first-team All-SEC in two short years, with only Nick Chubb rushing for more yards in the SEC since the start of 2016. Last year Snell really began to show his game-changing ability when he rushed for 1,333 yards (5.1 yards per carry) and 19 TDs, the latter of which led the conference. The 5-11, 223-pound Snell is an excellent power back, showing a strong base who rarely goes down upon first contact and regularly drags defenders fighting for extra yards. I’d really like to see him become more involved in the Wildcats passing game this year because I think he has been underused there.

2. D’Andre Swift, Georgia

Swift was overlooked throughout much of his true freshman campaign of 2017, which isn’t a huge surprise considering he was playing behind Nick Chubb and Sony Michel, who finished their storied careers second and third on Georgia’s all-time rushing leaderboard.

Despite finishing a distant third on the team in carries with 81, he still managed to rush for 618 yards and 3 TDs, averaging a whopping 7.6 yards per carry. He was also excellent out of the backfield, catching 17 passes (4th on the team) for 153 yards. He has a short but thick frame at 5-9, 215 pounds, with a nice combination of speed and power. He’ll split carries again this year considering how deep the Dawgs are at RB, but I’m eager to see what he does now that he’s at the top of the depth chart.

1. Damien Harris, Alabama

Finally, we have the top guy on the list, a back I believe is arguably the best in the country. The 5-11, 221-pound Harris has led the Tide in rushing each of the past two years, rushing for a combined 2,037 yards and 13 TDs, averaging 7.24 yards per carry. He and Snell both have the chance to top 1,000 yards for a third time, something only five other SEC backs have done.

Some believe his numbers could dip this year due to an increased passing attack likely led by Tua Tagovailoa and the likelihood that rising sophomore Najee Harris gets more carries. However, a better passing attack means fewer 8-man fronts and Najee will only help keep Damien fresh throughout the season, as he did last year.

Harris is a complete back whose skill set should translate very nicely to the NFL. He has the power to run between the tackles and enough speed to pick up chunk yardage once he gets a step on the outside. He displays excellent vision and patience as a ball carrier, allowing his blocks to develop, and good burst once he hits the seam. He’s a good blocker and an underrated receiver out of the backfield, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him take on a larger role in the passing game this fall.

I expect him to compete for the Heisman Trophy this year, and wouldn’t be surprised if he was the first back off the board in the 2019 NFL Draft.