Auburn Football: Spring SEC Running Back Power Rankings
Jan 1, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Russell Hansbrough (32) runs the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the first quarter of the 2015 Citrus Bowl at Florida Citrus Bowl. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
One of the most underrated players in the SEC last season was Missouri running back Russell Hansbrough, who racked up 1,084 rushing yards and ten touchdowns on 205 carries for the back-to-back SEC East champions. Hansbrough ran for more than 100 yards four times last season, including a 199-yard, two-touchdown effort against Texas A&M and 114 yards in the Citrus Bowl victory over Minnesota. He also scored all three touchdowns for the Tigers in the 21-20 victory over South Carolina.
Mizzou never gets the respect they deserve, and perhaps this list is further proof, but the biggest reason the Tigers are ranked in double-digits here is the lack of experience behind Hansbrough.
Marcus Murphy, who had 924 rushing yards last season, has graduated. That leaves Ish Witter (27 carries, 101 yards, 1 TD) as the primary backup. Other than Hansbrough and Witter, Tyler Hunt is the only other running back on the roster that carried the football for Mizzou last season, and he had two attempts for nine yards in the season opener against South Dakota State.
Junior college transfer Chase Abbington should provide depth, as will Morgan Steward who is expected to return from injury.
Next: 9. Florida