Let’s get one thing straight before we start — in no way is the running back class nationally in the 2016 cycle even close to the 2014 cycle (Leonard Fournette, Nick Chubb, etc.) and it would take a very strong argument to say it ranks ahead of the 2015 cycle overall.

Nevertheless, there are still plenty of outstanding running backs heading to Southeastern Conference programs for 2016 and here are the top five.

1 – B.J. Emmons, Alabama

The 5-foot-10, 233-pound Emmons, from Freedom High in Morganton, N.C., is in the same mold as most of the Crimson Tide running backs that have signed with Alabama during the era of head coach Nick Saban. Emmons has a low center of gravity, exceptional balance and deceptive speed. Provided he ends up in Tuscaloosa, it’s not out of the question that Emmons cracks the three deep early in his career with the Crimson Tide.

2 – Elijah Holyfield, Georgia

The 5-foot-10, 204-pound Holyfield hails from Woodward Academy in Atlanta and is the son of former heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield. Elijah has good size (204 pounds) and exceptional balance. Georgia is no stranger to recruiting elite running backs and Holyfield, who is the No. 5 overall running back prospect nationally per 247Sports Composite rankings, certainly has elite tools.

3 – Justin Connor, Ole Miss

Connor has an excellent sense of balance and is extremely quick in tight spots (he can make someone miss in the phone booth). The 5-foot, 205-pound Connor, who runs in the sub-4.5 range could very well add bulk and end up being one of the most terrifying running backs in the SEC to face during his time in Oxford. Connor from North Panola (Miss.) high school may not get the overwhelming hype in this class as others due, but rest assured he is an excellent running back.

4 – Carlin Fils-Aime, Tennessee

The Naples (Fla.) product is an outstanding addition to the Vols’ running back portfolio, which will lose Alvin Kamara in the near future. Fils-Aime can provide an ample replacement as being the home run-back type. His Tennessee recruiter, Robert Gillespie, has recruited the state of Florida quite well for the better part of the last decade and gets yet another outstanding prospect from the state.

5 – Trayveon Williams, Texas A&M

It’s never a bad thing to sign a prospect who can make an early impact and Williams, from King High in Houston, has an excellent shot to. The 5-foot-9, 185-pounder is an outstanding fit in the Aggies offense and is the highest-ranked all-purpose back (per 247Sports Composite rankings) committed to an SEC program.