Knowshon Moreno Leads List of SEC Football Top Five Running Backs

You cannot expect to contend in the SEC without a strong running game.  Here is a list of the top five backs that look to lead their teams to a championship in 2008.

1. Knowshon Moreno, Georgia

Moreno rushed for 1,334 yards, the second best by a freshman in school history.  He became the first Georgia tailback since Herschel Walker to rush for over 100 yards in five straight games.  He enters 2008 as a top Heisman candidate.

2. Arian Foster, Tennessee

Foster was the Vols' most versatile offensive weapon last season. He caught 39 passes for 340 yards and rushed for 1,193 yards (third best in the SEC), and 12 TDs on the ground.  He is just 685 yards away from surpassing Travis Henry as the Vols' all-time leading rusher.

3. Anthony Dixon, Mississippi State

Dixion looks to build on a season in which he finished seventh in the SEC with 1,066 yards and 14 TDs.  He can also be used as a receiver out of the backfield.  He accounted for 16 of Mississippi State's 30 offensive touchdowns last season.

4. Brad Lester, Auburn

Lester rushed for 530 yards and three TDs last season, despite sitting out the first five games because of academic concerns.  He will get the chance to show off his receiving skills in Tony Franklin's new spread offense.

5. Derrick Locke, Kentucky

Locke was recruited to run track for the Wildcats but shifted to football just before the season, and he did not disappoint.  He rushed for 521 yards on 94 carries and had five TDs.  He looks to be the key as the Wildcats shift to a run-oriented offense this season.