Auburn Football: Spring SEC Running Back Power Rankings
Nov 22, 2014; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Alex Collins (3) rushes against the Ole Miss Rebels at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas defeated Mississippi 30-0. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
As great as this year’s crop of SEC running backs is, there’s no question which program has the best backfield.
Arkansas is the only school in the Southeastern Conference that welcomes back a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in rising senior Jonathan Williams (211 carries, 1,190 yards, 12 touchdowns) and junior Alex Collins (204 carries, 1,100 yards and 12 TDs). The duo is a big reason that so many people are high on the Hogs heading into the 2015 season.
Though Williams and Collins are often referred to as “1” and “1A,” Williams has been the starter for head coach Bret Bielema the past two seasons, and at 6-foot and 225 pounds is an every down back. He surpassed 100 yards five times last year, including 105 yards in the Texas Bowl victory over the Texas Longhorns. Collins hit the century mark three times, including 212 yards against Texas Tech in the third game of the season.
Because they will continue to share carries, it’s unlikely that Williams or Collins will challenge the 2,000-yard mark or enter the Heisman race in 2015. However, if one should go down during the season, the other is certainly capable – especially in the ground-and-pound offense the Razorbacks employ.
Redshirt freshman Juan Day will likely be the team’s third-stringer next season,though he’ll compete with Denzell Evans (7 carries, 36 yards). Fullback Kody Walker (31 carries, 149 yards, 1 TD) is a solid option as a ball carrier when called upon.
Next: Spring SEC Quarterback Power Rankings
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