Long gone are the days when all a running back had to do was take a handoff and hit the hole.

As offenses have gotten more and more intricate over the years, running backs have been asked to do more and more. While players from the SEC’s past were do-it-all weapons — your Billy Cannon and Frank Sinkwich-types — this era has asked backs to do more than ever before. From catching passes out of the backfield, pass protecting, returning kicks and more, versatility is as vital a skill as any for a running back.

Over the last decade, which running backs have most ably filled the role of Swiss Army knife for their offenses? Here are a few candidates.

Marcus Murphy, Missouri (2011-14) — Although listed as a running back, Murphy did more than just take handoffs for Missouri during his four years. He was capable of lining up in the backfield or splitting out to catch passes, the latter he improved on as his career moved along. But Murphy’s true talent, outside of carrying the ball, was his ability as a kick returner. He finished his career with seven total return touchdowns (four on punts, three on kickoffs) and was a terrifying sight when he got his hands on the ball with room to run.

Career stats: 1,957 yards rushing, 16 TD, 50 receptions, 318 yards receiving, 2 TD; 2,036 kick return yards (23.4 average), 3 TD, 801 punt return yards (10.7 average), 4 TD

Chris Rainey, Florida (2007-11) — While not a star in the way the other players on this list were, Rainey was a part of a national championship team — something none of these other backs can claim. After redshirting as a freshman, Rainey worked himself into a solid rusher and receiver, piling up more than 3,200 yards from scrimmage for his career. He posted three seasons with 500 or more rushing yards and scored 21 total touchdowns, with three different methods of compiling those scores. In addition to his offensive versatility, Rainey was a special teams ace. He’s credited with six blocked kicks for his career, most in Florida history.

Career stats: 2,464 yards rushing, 13 TD; 69 receptions, 795 yards receiving, 6 TD; 235 punt return yards (9.4 average), 2 TD, 454 kick return yards (25.2 average); 6 blocked kicks

Dexter McCluster, Ole Miss (2006-09) — McCluster was just as much a receiver as he was running back for much of his career. The Rebels actually listed McCluster as a receiver in his sophomore year, and though he moved back to running back for his final two years on campus he still finished third and second on the team in receiving in those two years, respectively. His receiving yardage (625) nearly matched his rushing total (655) in 2008, and he followed that up by topping 1,000 yards rushing and finishing second in the SEC in yards from scrimmage in 2009. At the pro level, he’s continued his role as a multi-use threat while adding the return game to his arsenal.

Career stats: 1,955 yards rushing, 15 TD; 130 receptions, 1,703 yards receiving, 7 TD

Darren McFadden, Arkansas (2005-07) — McFadden is best known as a running back who simply couldn’t be brought down with the ball in his hands, running through and over tacklers on his way to two All-America selections and an SEC Player of the Year seasons, as well as a Doak Walker Award. McFadden was a threat out of the backfield as well, and the Hogs could send him deep to return kickoffs on occasion. McFadden was also used in direct-snap situations, with the freedom to either run the ball, hand it often (usually to Felix Jones) or cock back and heave it downfield. For his career, McFadden completed more than 63 percent of his passes and threw just one interception across 22 attempts — not bad for a running back.

Career stats: 4,590 yards rushing, 41 touchdowns; 46 receptions, 365 yards receiving, 2 TD; 14-for-22 passing, 205 yards passing, 7 TD, 1 INT; 926 kick return yards (24.4 average), 1 TD