The quintessential all-purpose running back can damage the opposition in a variety of ways … and the SEC’s had plenty. In no particular order, five of the league’s all-time best playmakers in the backfield include …

Frank Sinkwich, Georgia (1940-42): The SEC’s first Heisman winner in 1942 who garnered 99 percent of the vote, Sinkwich was a two-time All-American as the nation’s best halfback during his time between the hedges. As a senior, Sinkwich set college football’s single-season record for total offense (2,187 yards) and directed the Bulldogs to an 11-1 season as the SEC champs. The No. 1 pick in the 1943 NFL draft, Sinkwich earned a MVP honor in his second professional season before serving in the Air Force and as a Merchant Marine. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1954.

Career stats: 2,271 yards rushing, 30 TD; 2,331 yards passing, 30 TD

Billy Cannon, LSU (1957-59): The second College Football Hall of Famer among this star-studded group, Cannon’s widely-considered the Tigers’ best running back in program history as a two-time national player of the year and winner of the 1959 Heisman Trophy. Cannon’s most memorable play came as a senior on Halloween when he ignored then-coach Paul Dietzel’s request not to field punts near the 10-yard line. Cannon picked up third-ranked Mississippi’s punt on a hop, broke seven tackles and raced the final 60 yards untouched to the end zone for the game’s only touchdown.

Career stats: 2,389 yards from scrimmage, 21 TD; Punt Return TD

Darren McFadden, Arkansas (2005-07): Unofficially, this Wild Hog broke more tackles than any player in SEC history post-Herschel Walker, rushing for nearly 5,000 yards as a two-time Heisman runner-up. The multi-year All-American was a direct snap threat, caught passes out of the backfield and even flexed untapped strengths as a quarterback with seven career touchdown passes. McFadden’s 24.4 yards per kickoff return average is among the best in program history with at least 35 attempts. The two-time Doak Walker Award winner was also named the SEC’s Player of the Year during his sophomore and junior seasons.

Career stats: 4,955 yards from scrimmage, 43 TD; 205 yards passing, 7 TD; 926 return yards, KO Return TD

Deuce McAllister, Ole Miss (1997-00): One of the Rebels’ best players ever rarely gets the due he deserves since Ole Miss never won more than eight games during his tenure. McAllister’s the only player in school history to record three seasons with at least 1,000 all-purpose yards and finished his career as the Rebels’ all-time leader in several statistical categories for running backs. One of the SEC’s most dynamic on special teams, McAllister returned a punt and kickoff for a touchdown during his career.

Career stats: 3,852 yards from scrimmage, 41 TD; 1,276 return yards, KO Return TD, Punt Return TD

Percy Harvin, Florida: Pound for pound one of the SEC’s best ever on offense, Harvin was almost untouchable in the open field and rarely had an ‘off’ game despite defenses game-planning against the elusive ballcarrier. He often carried hand-offs, lined up at receiver and took direct snaps in Urban Meyer’s scheme as the Gators’ 1-2 punch with Tim Tebow. Harvin’s career average of 9.5 yards per carry is the highest in league history among regulars and he’s one of the few running backs to average a first down every time he touched the football on offense (11.6 yards per touch career).

Career stats: 3,781 yards from scrimmage, 32 TD