SEC Fantasy RB Rankings

1.Knowshon Moreno, Georgia (SO)
This sophomore came out of nowhere last season to lead the Georgia Bulldogs to a Sugar Bowl berth. After Thomas Brown and Kregg Lumpkin both suffered injuries early in the season, Moreno took over and never let go of the starting job. In first six weeks of the season, he never carried the ball more than 20 times in a game (15 carries/game) with one 100-yard performance and three touchdowns. The final seven saw him carry the ball an average of 23 times per game as he topped the century mark five times and reached paydirt 11 times. Expect more of the second half version of Moreno in 2008.

2.Arian Foster, Tennessee (SR)
Foster finally played a full season in 2007 and his full potential was realized as he put up a 1,200-yard, 12 touchdown performance. He also caught 39 passes for 340 yards and two scores. Expect his touchdown numbers to increase as he will be the feature, short yardage and goal line back this fall. Lennon Creer and Montario Hardesty can expect to see carries to spell Foster, but Arian is the guy in Knoxville. With a 1,000-yard season, he can become the first UT running back to hit that plateau two seasons in a row since Johnnie Jones in 1984.

3.Anthony Dixon, Mississippi State (JR)
Dixon is likely to see Christian Ducre steal some carries again in ’08, but Dixon is easily the most talented runner on the Bulldog roster. He has an NFL body with NFL skills. The coaching staff would like to see more mental toughness and consistency from the big tailback. They would also like to see an improvement on the 3.8 yards/carry he has averaged over his first two seasons. If he does what the coaches ask, a solid uptick in production is likely.

4.Derrick Locke, Kentucky (SO)
Locke showed up in Lexington on a track scholarship in the fall of 2007. He entered the season as a fourth stringer. After 20 carries in a win over National Champion LSU, Locke looks to breakout in 2008. Rafael Little has since graduated and left a void at tailback. Locke, along with Tony Dixon, should fill the void nicely.

5.Michael Smith, Arkansas (JR)
Exit Darren McFadden. Exit Felix Jones. Enter Michael Smith. Bobby Petrino has made his money off running the football. At Louisville, his high powered rushing attack was in the top-10 nationally almost every season. Hogs fans can expect the same in Fayettville. Expect Smith to be the veteran of the running back corps and is the leading returning rusher with 303 yards in ’07. His diminutive frame (5’7” 170) has led to injuries in the past, so owners may want to pick-up De’Anthony Curtis in later rounds just to be sure.

6.Keiland Williams, LSU (JR)
As it seems with many SEC fantasy backs, Williams is the best option of many on a loaded team. As many as four runners could receive regular reps, however, Williams has the best combination of play-making ability and experience. Averaging nearly seven yards per carry as a back-up to Jacob Hester, Williams rushed for 478 yards and six scores as a sophomore. Expect him to be the primary ball-carrier in Baton Rouge this fall. 

7.Ben Tate, Auburn (JR)
Once again, Tate is the best option in a loaded backfield. The big Maryland native has Ronnie Brown-like skillset and size. Fantasy players need not be concerned with the implementation of the spread offense in Auburn as the running game will still be a staple of the Tigers’ offense. After a solid sophomore season – 903 yards and eight touchdowns – Tate owners should expect a 1,000-yard campaign and possibly double-digit trips to pay dirt in 2008.  

8.Chris Rainey, Florida (FR)
Rainey may enter the fall as the third string running back for the Gators. However, he can score from anywhere on the field, something Kestahn Moore and Emmanuel Moody cannot do. Expect Rainey to lead the Gators in scoring as far as runners are concerned. He will also play a huge role in the passing game and return game. Will he get 1,000 yards rushing? No. Will he score 10+ times in ’08? Yes.

9.Terry Grant, Alabama (SO)
The spring game dynamo will likely have his best season to date in ’08. Of course, he has the luxury of running behind what is one of the nation’s best offensive lines. Even though Glen Coffee stole 129 carries last season, Grant rushed for 891 yards and eight touchdowns. Expect his role as the feature back to be solidified in fall camp.

10.Cordera Eason, Mississippi (JR)
This could just as easily have been Enrique Davis. Davis is the more talented runner but is a true freshman. The coaches have clearly stated that Eason is more ready to play right now, so expect him to get the early starts. Missing most of last season has motivated Eason as he has proven this off-season that he will be a major factor in the ground attack for the Ole Miss Rebels in 2008.
 
11.Mike Davis, South Carolina (SR)
12.Enrique Davis, Mississippi (FR)
13.Emmanuel Moody, Florida (SO)
14.Caleb King, Georgia (FR)
15.Kestahn Moore, Florida (JR)
16.Brad Lester, Auburn (SR)
17.Jared Hawkins, Vanderbilt (JR)
18.De’Anthony Curtis, Arkansas (FR)
19.Charles Scott, LSU (JR)
20.Richard Murphy, LSU (SO)
21.Brian Maddox, South Carolina (SO)
22.Lennon Creer, Tennessee (SO)
23.Mario Fannin, Auburn (SO)
24.Glen Coffee, Alabama (JR)
25.Tony Dixon, Kentucky (SR)
26.Christian Ducre, Mississippi State (JR)
27.Jeff Jennings, Vanderbilt (SR)
28.Montario Hardesty, Tennessee (JR)
29.Alfonso Smith, Kentucky (JR)
30.Brandon Barnett, Arkansas (JR)