Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

The SEC has long been known for strong defense and the power running game. 2013 will not do anything to dispel that notion. As usual, there are some pretty talented backs returning to their respective SEC schools, so narrowing it down to just five backs wasn't easy to say the least.

The SEC did lose several stud running backs to the NFL draft or graduation, including Eddie Lacy of the University of Alabama (Green Bay Packers), Zac Stacy of Vanderbilt University (St. Louis Rams) and Mike Gillislee of the University of Florida (Miami Dolphins.

Four of the top six leading rushers from the running back position will not be returning to the SEC next season.

Don't think for a moment, however, that there is a lack of talent returning to the SEC next season. Todd Gurley from the University of Georgia, TJ Yeldon from the University of Alabama, LaDarius Perkins from Mississippi State University, Tre Mason from Auburn University and Jeff Scott from Ole Miss all registered over 1,000 yards of total offense last season.

Moreover, running backs Ben Malena from Texas A&M and Jeremy Hill from LSU finished the season on a positive note as well despite missing the 1,000-yard mark.

When this top five list was completed, there were several solid running backs that landed on the cutting room floor. This list might alter dramatically during the fall practice sessions with new recruits arrive on campus and new offensive systems being put into place.

For example, will new SEC head coaches Gus Malzahn and Bret Bielema, who have a history of producing strong running games, be able to have an offensive imprint in their first years in the SEC?

However, as of now, you can view Dr. SEC’s top five running backs headed into fall practice video, based on their body of work and overall potential, by clicking play on the video link.

Also, during the course of the next three weeks, I will be releasing a top five ranking video for every position. We will be posting the links here on the Bleacher Report and on my personal website (drsec.org).

So click on the link now and find out who made No. 1 on the list. Disagree? I invite you to post your list in the comments section.



