SEC: Marcus Lattimore, Michael Dyer or Trent Richardson.... Pick Your Poison

The SEC replenishes talent year in and year out, and this season is no different. With the SEC West being the powerhouse of the country, one would expect another National Championship to come from this elite conference. 

The last five National Champions have all reigned from the South Eastern Conference, with Florida winning two out of the five. 

Florida does not expect to contend for a National Championship, but if they were to play in another conference such as the Big East, one such thing might not be out of the question. 

Each year, the team who has come out on top has had one superstar player that seemed to be "Mr. Everything". Last years Auburn team had the obvious choice of Cam Newton. Alabama's, would be Mark Ingram along with Florida having Tim Tebow the year before. Glenn Dorsey was the main force for LSU during their championship run, while Percy Harvin made the Florida offense roll in 2006. 

Who will be this seasons "Mr. Everything"? 

To me, it has to be a running back. 

This years SEC is loaded with talent at the running back position, and which ever team receive the most production from that position, will most likely come out on top. 

Trent Richardson

Alabama is lead by the elusive Junior Trent Richardson. 

Richardson burst onto the scene during his freshman season, and many considered him to be better than Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram. Trent will finally receive his chance to run the show in Tuscaloosa, and I expect nothing short of greatness. While splitting time with Ingram over the past two seasons, Richarson averaged 5.8 yards per carry while rushing for 725 yards. 

2010 proved that Richardson is a viable pass catching threat, due to the fact that he had four receiving touchdowns on twenty-three receptions. With Alabama being loaded on defense, I expect Trent to receive a ton of touches and eventually bringing the Heisman back to Alabama for the second time in three years. 

With all this being said, I have Richardson as my Heisman Trophy pre-season favorite as well as the best back out of the three. 

Marcus Lattimore

Let's move on to Marcus Lattimore. 

First of all, this guy is an absolute beast. Lattimore burst onto the scene in week two of the 2010 season when he exploded for 182 yards on 37 carries while playing SEC foe Georgia. 

Let's not forget that this guy is only a freshman. 

Marcus finished the season with just under 1,200 yards on the ground, and averaged 4.8 yards per carry. Lattimore played the best game of his young career in Gainesville during a 36-14 routing of SEC East rival Florida, pilling up 212 yards to go along with three touchdowns. 

This season is obviously expected to be a better one for the now sophomore, but with uncertainty at the quarterback position, teams maybe able to load the box up to stop the young tale back.  

Receiver Alshon Jeffrey returns, which is good news for Lattimore. Jeffrey is a wide out that most teams try to double up on, which could provide open running lanes for the running back. 

Look for Marcus Lattimore to stir up some Heisman talk early in the season, but with other candidatessuch as Trent Richardson and Landry Jones, that award will be hard to come by. 

Michael Dyer

Michael Dyer is the next big time running back threat in the SEC.

Dyer single handily saved the BCS National Championship for the Auburn Tigers. He earned Offensive MVP honors after rushing for game high 143 yards on 22 carries including a 37-yard run and a 16-yard run on AU's final game-winning drive. Not to bad for a freshman running back. 

Dyer will be the work horse for the Tigers this season, due to the fact that the Tigers are only bringing back six starters from last years National Championship season.

I expect the Tigers to struggle this season, just because of how strong their division is. Eight wins seems to be the ceiling and that's being generous, but don't expect them to have less than six. 

Dyer will fair equal to Marcus Lattimore in the sense of both stirring up the Heisman soup early, only to being in the middle of the pack by seasons end. My prediction for Dyer is that he will amass over 1,400 yards on the ground to go along with ten touchdowns. That type of a season is great, but not enough for Heisman consideration.  

Who Do You Want Playing for Your Team on Saturdays?

With all three being great backs, this choice will be difficult for you unless one of these guys plays for your favorite team.

I personally would pick Trent Richardson because of his experience and because of the team he has around him. The video above also makes a strong case. 

Lattimore is number two for me because I believe that where ever Marcus goes, the Gamecocks go. This team could compete for a SEC East crown, with Georgia being their main road block. 

Thanks for reading, and please let me know your thoughts on this matter. 

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