Auburn Football: Spring SEC Running Back Power Rankings

Nov 22, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Ashton Shumpert (32) advances the ball during the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

If this were a “rushing attack” power rankings list, Mississippi State would surely be higher because of the dynamic quarterback Dak Prescott provides as a runner. However, in terms of SEC running back power rankings, especially following the departure of “bowling ball” Josh Robinson, the Bulldogs com in at No. 11.

Thanks to Prescott and Robinson, MSU averaged 233.1 rushing yards in 2014, which was the third best average in the SEC and 23rd nationally. Robinson accounted for 1,203 yards, averaged 6.3 yards per carry and scored 11 touchdowns as a junior before jumping to the NFL Draft.

That leaves Brandon Holloway as the team’s leading returning rusher among running backs with 294 yards and a touchdown, followed closely by Ashton Shumpert‘s 274 yards and two scores.

Shumpert is the favorite to emerge as the team’s primary ball carrier next season because he is built solidly at 6-foot-2 and 218 compared to Holloway’s 5-foot-8, 160-pound frame, though Holloway is certainly the home run threat of the pair. Redshirt freshman Aeris Williams is also a talented runner and will compete for carries.

Next: 11. Kentucky