AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2007 > August > 01 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USRanking the SEC’s top rushers
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Given the talent were discussing, not a whole lot of fanfare is needed. Ladies and gentlemen, the top five running backs in the SEC for 2007 …
1. Darren McFadden, Jr., Arkansas. A no-brainer. Doak Walker Award winner. Second in the Heisman Trophy voting. Leading rusher in the SEC (1,647 yards). But here is the question: Does this guy, as good as he is, belong in the same category as Herschel Walker and Bo Jackson? Let us know what you think.
2. Cory Boyd, Sr., South Carolina. Only one player in school history has recorded over 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving (Stanley Pritchett of Atlanta). With 102 yards receiving, Boyd will become the second. He’s had an up-and-down career, with some down moments off the field. But as a senior he’s finally matured enough to have a big season in Steve Spurrier’s offense.
3. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Sr., Ole Miss. Ran for 1,000 yards on a really, really, really bad offense. He is only the third player in Ole Miss history to run for over 1,000 yards in a season. He is tough runner who gets a lot of yards on his own. If the Rebels can throw it just a little bit, Green-Ellis is going to have another big year.
4. Felix Jones, Jr., Arkansas. This guy would start for any other team. Despite sharing time with McFadden, Jones rushed for 1,168 yards. Jones was also No. 4 in the SEC in kickoff returns, averaging 24.1 yards per attempt. That number will go up with the new rule that will have the ball kicked from the 30-yard line.
5. Rafael Little, Sr. Kentucky. Was a first-team All-SEC running back in 2005 when he ran for over 1,000 yards and led the league in all-purpose yardage. He is also one of the nation’s best punt returners. Little didn’t stay healthy last season and saw his production dip. If he can go the distance in 2007, Kentucky has a chance to make some noise in the SEC East.
HONORABLE MENTION
— LaMarcus Coker, Soph., Tennessee. As a rookie Coker posted two electrifying touchdown runs of 89 and 87 yards. Averaged 63.3 yards per game, which was tops among freshmen last season. Enormous talent.
— Arian Foster, Jr., Tennessee. Foster had a huge freshman season in 2005 but due to injuries, he never really got out of the gate last season. Coach Phillip Fulmer was singing Foster’s praises after spring practice and, barring injury, he is expected to have a huge year. If this guy can get 20-25 carries a game, he will have a monster year.
— Jacob Hester, Sr., LSU. When LSU absolutely, positively has to have a first down, the Tigers find a way to get the ball to Hester. He’s listed as a fullback but can play tailback and catch the ball out of the backfield. Has 14 career touchdowns (eight rushing, six receiving). Ask opponents how tough it is to bring this guy down once he gets rolling.
— Brad Lester, Jr., Auburn. The Parkview product had 104 carries for 510 yards but scored nine touchdowns last season. He’s a couple of biscuits shy of 200 pounds and needs to be about 210 in order to take the pounding in this league. Still, he can make big plays if his body will just hold up.
— Kregg Lumpkin, Sr., Georgia. Matthew Stafford is a very good quarterback, but Georgia is at its best when Lumpkin is getting the rock on a regular basis. He got 21 carries and 105 yards when the Bulldogs won at Auburn last season. Yes, he’ll be sharing time with Thomas Brown, Knowshon Moreno and maybe Caleb King. But this guy needs to get 20 carries a game if Georgia is going to make a run in the SEC East.
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Comments
By tndawg
August 1, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
Darren McFadden — Does this guy, as good as he is, belong in the same category as Herschel Walker and Bo Jackson?
Absolutely no way! There has never been another college running back as good as Herschel.
By tndawg
August 1, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
Darren McFadden — Does this guy, as good as he is, belong in the same category as Herschel Walker and Bo Jackson?
Absolutely no way! There has never been another college running back as good as Herschel.
By RICHTFAN
August 1, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this
mcfadden is a true talent, but Herschel is in a universe by himself. not even Bo can come close. Herschel had the incomparable combination of size, speed, and durability that no back has ever had. bo was hurt all the time.
mcfadden is a little lean, but he has that tremendous speed and just runs hard. he’s great to watch.
By ChampDawg
August 1, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
First!!
The fact that UGA has no one in the “top”, is an embarrassment and testament to CMR’s lack of dedication to the running game. UGA will not return to championship form until it can run the ball with equal or better success than passing.
By Real Estate Dawg
August 1, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
Yaaaaaawwwwwn
By Chip Folendore
August 1, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
McFadden is in that class. He can change a game by himself. Great player and fun to watch. Alot more fun since I have only had to see him play UGA once.
By Roswell Ed
August 1, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this
This I do know:
McFadden is the best Irishman I’ve ever seen play football
Mc Fadden is great and I love to see him play but he don’t know DIDDLY.
Bo and Herchel were men among boys. They both weighed over 10 pounds heavier than McFadden in an era when the players weren’t near as big as they are today.
By Bill W.
August 1, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this
McFadden is no Herschel. If ARK wins 3 SEC titles in a row, and a NC then maybe he gets close to HW. Still wouldn’t touch he or Bo. Lump will end up in the top 5 IMO. Green-Ellis may be the top back by the end of the season. Sic ‘em Dawgs!
By AJ GREEN WEARS #1
August 1, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this
Corey Boyd second? Really? He has underachieved the past two seasons. I would have Lumpkin higher than Boyd as even Boys will split time this season with Mike Davis and the other USC backs.
By Rusty Banks
August 1, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this
Swap Boyd with Jones, then replace Boyd with Coker. That is the list.
http://www.rustybanks.com
By bw
August 1, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this
McFadden is by far the best in the country not just the SEC. Felix Jones is 2nd. As good as McFadden is, he does not belong with Herschel or Bo. Herschel is consistently considered the greatest college football player of all time, and Bo was not so bad himself.
By HOUDAWG
August 1, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
McFadden certainly qualifies as an All-American RB by today’s standards.
But to compare to Herschel and Bo is ……. just too humorous !!!
By GaGamecock
August 1, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this
Corey Boyd underachieved the past 2 seasons? It’s pretty tough to underachieve when you don’t play a down (2 years ago) and it’s the game footage that has him rated so high not the stats (watch some of last year’s film w/ no O-line). I’m willing to bet that if McFadden wore red and black, he would be considered as good as Herschel. Its great to back in GA where the lack of impartiality runs a close second to Bama.
By Pago Pago
August 1, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
So how is it, and why does Green-Ellis have two last names. We know some married females do this….but a man?!
By williambuchheit
August 1, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
Bo Jackson could run THROUGH or OVER Herschel “SLOWDAWG” Walker
By JB
August 1, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this
You let Lumpkin Tote the rock 25-28 times a game and you would have a 1500-1600 yard rusher and a number 1 draft pick. 7-10 carriers a game won’t make the paper. just a fact.
By G-DAWG
August 1, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this
No, McFadden doesn’t belong in a category with Herschel and Bo Jackson. Hell, Bo Jackson doesn’t even belong in Herschel’s category!! Herschel never took himself out of a game with a weenie injury as Bo often did. Herschel damn sure never ran out of bounds inside the 5 yard line to avoid a big hit as Bo did many times (especially against Bama). Ode to the Rest of the SEC: Flyin’under the radar gettin’ very few props, The whole DAWG Nation is lickin’ its chops. I’ll tell y’all now that it ain’t too wise, To diss our fans, CMR and our guys, Y’all just can’t know what we all know, We’re gonna go 14 and OH! IT’S GREAT TO BE A GEORGIA BULLDAWG!!
By Dorsey Hill
August 1, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this
First of all, when you are talking SEC running backs Bo doesn’t belong in the same category as Herschel. Walker had 5,200 in 3 seasons. Bo had less than 4,000 in 4 seasons. Herschel never lost an SEC game. UGA’s record while he was there was 34-2-1 and everyone knew who was getting the ball. When it comes to college football running backs, Herschel Walker, the “Goal Line Stalker” is in a class completely by himself. The only one who comes close is Barry Sanders, but all of his damage was done in a single season.
As far as where McFadden ranks among SEC greats, I can see him up there with the likes of Bo, G. Hearst, J. Lewis, and E. Smith. Just leave Herschel in a seperate category. He deserves it.
By shane
August 1, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this
better than herschel,better than bo? earlier i had read that the coach and some uga fans want to put an end to the wlocp[thats worlds largest outdoor cocktail party to you heathens]. from whence cometh such blasphemy? from lewis grizzards beloved ajc,thats where! po’ old lewis must have quit spinning and started doing backflips in his grave by now. mcfadden is good,but had he been at uga in the good old days he would be toting herschel’s duffel bag for him.
By gdawginkalamazoo
August 1, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
Tony, McFadden might be good really really good. But nobody is in the same class as Herschel when it comes to college backs. Nobody before and nobody since. Maybe one day. Herschel was the best ever. Do you realize that if he had stayed for his senior year and produced his average that nobody would have come close to his rushing totals. Bo was one of the top athletes but he was no Herschel.
By SEC Fan
August 1, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
Herschel was in a class of his own, but he didn’t play against defenses that are near as athletic and fast as they are today. A defense nowadays has 5-6 players on the field at all times who can run a 4.5.
Back then there were 2-4 games a year UGA played teams that could really play with them. You can’t take anyone for grant in the SEC now. I don’t think it is fair to compare anyone to someone that played in a different era.
By Duby
August 1, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
Brandon Southerland with 8 TD’s last year. Come on now he should be mentioned.
By born 2 bark
August 1, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this
Does this guy, as good as he is, belong in the same category as Herschel Walker and Bo Jackson? Let us know what you think:
No. McFadden is nasty, no doubt about that, but Herschel won a national championship his freshman year and broke the all time record for a freshman back, 1617 yards. If it weren’t for politics he would have won the Heisman trophy that year too.
By SEC Fan
August 1, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
The team won the national championship. Yes Walker was a big part of it, but the Oline they had was the biggest reason. You can’t use just the stats in deciding who was better. You can in golf, but football is a team sport.
OJ Simpson looked like one of the worst RB in the NFL his first few seasons while he had no Oline. He gets a line to run behind and now he is a hall of famer!
By austindog
August 1, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
Looking at Herchel’s numbers, if he had played a senior year he would still be the reigning rushing yards leader, and probably have another NC or Heisman.
McFadden is no Reggie Bush.
By Ahoooga
August 1, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
This is ridiculous…. Herschel is the best back in the SEC! Your list is wrong… all wrong… I hain’t heard of most of them kids on it. Go Dawgs!
By Mark
August 1, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
Champdawg’s statement that “The fact that UGA has no one in the ‘top’, is an embarrassment and testament to CMR’s lack of dedication to the running game” is incorrect.
Last year in the SEC, UGA ranked #9 in pass offense and #7 in rush offense. We had 426 rushing attemps and 342 passing attempts. We had 12 passing TD’s and 21 rushing TD’s.
If you’re going to call out CMR, make it a legitimate criticism.
By Mark
August 1, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
Why not Southerland as an “honorable mention”? Among running backs, no one on this list had more TD’s than him (with 10) in 2006 except for McFadden.
By SEC is Football
August 1, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
Pretty good write up Tony. Might have swapped places with Jones and Ellis but I guess one spot won’t make much difference. As far as the comparison to Bo or Hershal, no UGA or AU fan is going to say that he is in the same category as the two of them but I don’t see why he wouldn’t. The SEC has had some GREAT RB’s and this guy is one of the best I have seen. Time will tell if he will produce the number in the pros but if this guy has another 1300+ yard rushing season and wins the heisman, I have no idea why he would not be considered along with those 2.
By the_real_USC
August 1, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
Wow. Cory Boyd number two. I’d have to agree, he’s not quite as good as McFadden. All you Dawgs fans touting Lumpkin like the second coming of Walker better recognize… Boyd is by far and away the better runner. Somebody said he ‘underachieved’ the last two years??? Are you CRAZY man? He had more receiving yards than most WR’s in the NCAA, much less the RB’s. 800+ yards, and he’s gonna be our 2nd player with 1000+ rushing and 1000+ receiving yards. Keep underestimating Boyd. I just invite you guys to check out YouTube and watch some of the film from last year. He split carries with Mike Davis and he STILL performed. Take it to the bank: Cory Boyd is the best pound for pound running back in the SEC. He fights hard and leaves his blood on the field for just ONE MORE INCH!!!
By David
August 1, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this
Typical obnoxious UG fans.
Uh…AJ Green, Boyd didn’t play two years ago. Last year, he was one game short of 1,000 yards and that’s splitting time with Mike Davis.
Behind the Arky rb’s, Davis and Boyd make up the best rb tandem in the conference. I challenge anyone to prove me wrong
By David
August 1, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this
Uh…Ahoooga
Walker no longer plays in the SEC, that’s why he’s not on the list…sheesh
By Roswell Ed
August 1, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this
G-DAWG:
Couldn’t agree with you more about Bo being soft!
Look how long it took him to get back into MLB after replacement hip surgery!
What a PUSS!
By Mike
August 1, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this
Bo had almost as many yards as Herschel did when they won the Heismon. BUT, Bo had 100 fewer carries.
By UGaSux
August 1, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this
UGa - Its 2007 - Hershel who? Boyd AVERAGED over 5 yards a carry. Lumpkin averaged what 4? Lumpkin is NOT rated higher than Boyd when it comes to the Scouts either
By War Eagle
August 1, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this
Top 3 RB in SEC history: 1. Herschel Walker 2. Bo Jackson 3, Billy Cannon. Best OL in SEC history, hate to say this… Jack Hannah, Bama, runner-up…Several
By YouCanNeverTell
August 1, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this
Cory Boyd did underachieve two years ago. I mean everyone was wanting him to play and he didn’t so I guess that qualifies as underachieving. Next time think before you post. As for last year, he put up good numbers splitting carries with Mike Davis. Just wait and see how close this list looks in Jan.
By YouCanNeverTell
August 1, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this
Cory Boyd did underachieve two years ago. I mean everyone was wanting him to play and he didn’t so I guess that qualifies as underachieving. Next time think before you post. As for last year, he put up good numbers splitting carries with Mike Davis. Just wait and see how close this list looks in Jan.
By YouCanNeverTell
August 1, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this
Cory Boyd did underachieve two years ago. I mean everyone was wanting him to play and he didn’t so I guess that qualifies as underachieving. Next time think before you post. As for last year, he put up good numbers splitting carries with Mike Davis. Just wait and see how close this list looks in Jan.
By NationalTitlesRWhatCounts
August 1, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this
So now dawg fans are upset because Sutherland wasn’t mentioned. My god man get a grip. Granted, Sutherland will probably be the most productive bulldog this year, but being pretty good on a garbage team {ref: losses to both Kentucky and Vandy} does not make you worth mentioning.
By Big Dawg
August 1, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this
War Eagle
I agree that Walker and Jackson were the two best RB’s of all time not only in the SEC but NCAA as well, but I would list Emmitt Smith as the third best RB in the SEC as I never saw Billy Cannon play. As for best OL I was a freshman with Mike Wilson who was a first team All American and played in 10 or 11 Pro Bowls and All Pro I think 7 times in the NFL and I believe stacks up quite well with John Hannah who probably was the best Offensive Guard in the history of the NFL.
By bruce
August 1, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this
Keiland Williams - The State University of Louisiana
By stevae
August 1, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this
first of all, these uga fans are definitely out of their minds! put down the koolaid, puppies. walker was a great back, but dmac is definitely better. walker did what he did against dl that were 240-260, and not nearly as quick as they are today in the sec. back then lb’s weren’t as big, strong or fast as they are today, and db’s were just tiny. so pop your heads out of herschels backside, and join us in reality. dmac does what he does against the power and speed of modern day sec defenses, herschel can’t say that, and neither can those delusional uga fans. cory boyd sat out the year before last, so that shows that you have no credibility, to the uga fan that posted that he underachieved the last two years. he had over 800 yards last year, while sharing time with mike davis, and a terrible ol for the first half of the season. if that’s you idea of underachieving, what is your excuse for those sorry uga rb’s who were supposed to be so great last year. you guys almost lost to colorado!!! lol!!! uga will get pounded by everyone in the sec this season, starting in week two!!!
By Big Dawg
August 1, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this
As for best RB’s in the SEC this year, clearly McFadden and Jones from Arkansas are # 1 and # 2, but this is still preseason and no one knows other than God what will happen. I believe that by the end of the year Knowshon Moreno will be mentioned as one of the best RB’s in the SEC.
By stevae
August 1, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this
one more thing, to the poster who said that the sec hasn’t ever had a rb with size and speed like herschel, you might want to go back and look at george rogers, heisman trophy winner, and nfl rookie of the year.
By sobedawg
August 1, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this
UGA will have 2 DAWGS in the TOP 5 before the year is over…Brown & Lumpkin…maybe Moreno…Coker and Felix Jones should also be in there…Gayturds don’t have a back!
By Big Dawg
August 1, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this
stevae
You are delusional as the only RB’s who have ever compared to Hershel Walker were Bo Jackson and Eric Dickerson. McFadden is a great RB in his own right and is the best in the SEC right now but he is neither as big, strong nor as fast as Walker, Jackson or Dickerson.
By sobedawg
August 1, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this
South Carolina wasn’t in the SEC when George Rogers played there…although it often seems that way because they played us head-to-head…
By Wes
August 1, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this
Stevae,
Your argument doesn’t make sense. In fact, it further solidifies the argument that Herschel is in a class of his own. When he was playing, NO ONE on the field, linemen, linebackers, defensive backs, running backs…was as big as they are today.
He, however, was bigger, stronger, faster, than most current day running backs, IN AN AGE WHEN THE PLAYERS AS A COLLECTIVE WHOLE WHERE SMALLER. Go back to the drawing board, work on a new argument, and get back to us when you have something credible.
By Big Dawg
August 1, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this
stevae
August 1, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this
one more thing, to the poster who said that the sec hasn’t ever had a rb with size and speed like herschel, you might want to go back and look at george rogers, heisman trophy winner, and nfl rookie of the year.
stevae
Once again you are wrong as George Rogers played at South Carolina prior to the Gamecocks joining the SEC. He was a great RB and he did win a Heisman but in my opinion he doesn’t compare to Walker, Jackson or Dickerson. He also was a very good RB in the NFL prior to injuries and drug use.
By Fan of the SEC
August 1, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this
To start things off comparing Walker and Mcfadden is almost like comparing apples and oranges. Yes you have to look at many different things. I mean there are always references in all sports about who was better from different eras. It is just to hard to compare some of the tangibles. While Mcfadden is by far the best running back currently. Compare him with some of the running backs the past few years.
Bush=better Carnell “Cadillac” Williams=equal
the list could go on.
Mcfadden is great and teams have to plan for him but to even say he is the best ever is just insane.
For the people riding the high horse about Cory Boyd real usc and ugasux I will give you the fact that right now Boyd is better. You bring up the fact that Boyd did not play 2 years ago, fine. Let me remind you neither did Lumpkin. Also last year Lumpkin was still recovering from a torn ACL. Now fully 100% back and ready you will see the difference he will make on the field. By the end of the Lumpkin will be ranked higher than Boyd. Also second best tandem by the end of the year will be Lump/Moreno. Thomas Brown will not be much of a factor other than special teams. AND YOU CAN TAKE THAT TO THE BANK!!!
By shane
August 1, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this
good point wes,the players on d were smaller,though not necessarily slower,stanfil graduated in 68,over a decade before walker,yet even as a pro it didn’t take him too long to get to a qb. as a matter of fact,in his last year with the dolphjns he became the nfls first designated pass rusher. keep in mind that if the defense was slower and smaler,so was the o line and fujjback,the blockers for you yahoos. sit evened out. what you had in herschel and bo was a power runner with track speed,rare even today.
By homer21
August 1, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this
Herschel = better college running back Bo = better athlete (NFL Pro Bowl, MLB All Star)
By 59bulldawg
August 1, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this
Herschel and Bo were on a completely different level than any of these backs. Rogers was great also but not as good as either of these two. Of course who can forget the 1980 GA-SC game where Walker outrushed Rogers 219 yards to 168 leading the Dawgs to a 13-10 victory over the Gamecocks! I was there ‘tween the hedges that day and saw one of the best games ever. On the opening drive Walker had a 76 yard run. He was Superman in Georgia jersey. And before he got hurt Bo was probably one of the finest all-around athletes of the 20th century … probably just as good if not better than the great Jim Thorpe. None of the backs on this list are even in the same neighborhood. But I will say that Lumpkin is the most under-rated back on this list because of the season he missed and the type of offense that the Dawgs have run … he just doesn’t consistently get the number of carries he needs to sufficiently impress on a week to week basis. Perhaps that will change this year with BoBo driving the offense. If we’ll establish the run and make Lumpkin our feature back, he’s easily capable of 1300-1500 yards if we have any kind of line in front of him. Of course he’ll have to make the most of what time he has left because Moreno and Brown, and maybe King too will be nipping at his heels.
By Mark
August 1, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this
To UGASux’s comment: “Boyd AVERAGED over 5 yards a carry. Lumpkin averaged what 4?” The facts are that Lumpkin averaged 4.9 yards per carry and Boyd averaged 5 yards per carry in 2006.
By Mark
August 1, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this
About Southerland, he had 8 rushing TD’s and 2 receiving TD’s in 06. In 05, he had 3 rushing TD’s and 2 receiving TD’s. I’m not saying he’s among the top backs in the conference, but if LSU’s fullback with 14 TD’s in 3 seasons is mentioned, UGA’s fullback with 15 in 2 should be also.
By SECCoachnDallas
August 1, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this
LET’S TALK ABOUT IMPORTANT THING…GHETTO YECK IS UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR TAKING KICK BACKS. DOES THIS HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH TICKLE PILES?
By Heeldawg
August 1, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this
There is no question of McFadden’s legitimacy as a running back. He is the best in the SEC and the best in the country this season. However, the idea that he might be a member of the All-Time League (Herschel and Bo)is not even worthy of discussion. Herschel Walker in his prime was 6’2” and 225 pounds. He had a 46 inch vertical leap, ran a 4.3 second 40-yard dash and set the all-time NFL “power rating” (weight multiplied by vertical leap height) for NFL running backs. The linemen who tackled him were smaller, but so were the linemen who blocked for him. He was in a league by himself. He played in the 1980 national title game and rushed for 150 yards with a separated shoulder, becoming in the process the only player to rush for over 100 yards against Notre Dame during all of the 1980 season.
I’ve seen some great running backs—Garrison Hearst, Terrell Owens, Bo Jackson, Emmitt Smith, etc.—but there’s only been one Herschel Walker. And anyone who says otherwise never saw him play.
By War Eagle
August 1, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this
Big Dawg, nice to hear from you. Billy Cannon(LSU) was 6-2, 210 and won SEC 100 yard(meters today) in 9.4, equally to 10.0, 100 meters.He threw the shot putt 56 ft. feet He was Heisman Trophy winner, two time All American, All world in the SEC. He returned a punt against Ole Miss on Halloween night(13-7) for SEC crown and trip to Sugar Bowl. He played professional with Houston, got a doctorate in Dentisty, later in years served 4 years in prison for making BAD money.
By SeattleDawg
August 1, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this
Nicely put, Heeldawg.
By SeattleDawg
August 1, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this
Although I was disappointed that we didn’t have Walker at UGA his senior year, the USFL experiment was more costly by sidetracking him from the NFL, costing us the chance to see how he’d stack up in a legitimate pro career comparison with other great college backs.
By spike
August 1, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this
You anti UGA bozos better watch out for Thomas Brown this year. You know he will come to play.
By SOS
August 1, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this
Somebody tell the mommy of SECCoachnDallas that his caps lock is on and he’s printing in bold…We’ll worry about his grammar later…First things first…
By SOS
August 1, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this
I bleed garnet and black but I saw enough of the McFadden-Felix Jones duo in Columbia last season for me to give the edge to BOTH of them over Boyd.
Here’s my top 5:
Darren McFadden
Felix Jones
Cory Boyd
Rafael Little
BenJarvus Green-Ellis
By Big Dawg
August 1, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this
War Eagle
Good to see you on the blog, how are you doing? I have been including you and Buck in my daily prayers. Buck isn’t doing too well so please pray for him. I have seen replays of that great run Cannon made against Ole Miss, I believe Ole Miss beat them in the rematch in the Sugar Bowl. I actually know Emmitt Smith as he has some first cousins who live in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida who are very good and dear friends of mine. I saw him play in high school at Escambia High School and I could tell he was something special.
By AJ GREEN WEARS #1
August 1, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
Corey Boyd:
Highlight Games where against Wofford, MTSU and Houston..READ THE BIO! He underachieved over the past two seasons because in 2005 he was “redshirted” due to discpline problems. I would consider that uunderachieving. When he lines up and puts a highlight package against SEC worthy teams then talk your smack.
By Gamecock 92
August 1, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this
McFadden is a beast.. and he is one of the best RBs the SEC has seen.. Some of you guys need to take off those UGA blinders.. but then again.. this is the AJC..
By spike
August 1, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this
You anti UGA bozos better watch out for Thomas Brown this year. You know he will come to play.
By Wrecker1
August 2, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this
First let me say that Mark Richt can’t be nearly as smart a coach as people make him out to be. Why do I say that? Because if he was really that smart he would be giving Lumpkin the ball 20-25 times a game and I don’t care who Ugag has to share time with him, Lumpkin should be getting those carries and anybody else gets what is left over. Of course personally I’m glad Richt hasn’t figured that out. Secondly Walker was good but I never saw Bo pull up on a run and I saw Walker do that on more than one occasion. I hate to say it but I saw Walker rush for 225 against TECH in ‘81 and he could have had more if he didn’t tip toe out of bounds on some plays and pull up on others. Walker was good but Bo was a man. Also Walker played against some really bad teams for 3 years. Vandy, Kentucky, Ole Miss, TECH, and Dooley’s other traditional out of conference powerhouses (minus Clemson, they were good in those days) and Walker really played against a very poor schedule. Heck even Auburn was rebuilding under Dye in the early 80’s. You can throw out the arguement that Walker and Bo played against smaller, slower people. If you argue that then you have to concede they also played with smaller and slower players.
By shane
August 2, 2007 3:41 AM | Link to this
war eagle,glad you are back. you and buck are in my prayers. i hope you are on this blog for years to come. my wife fought breast cancer for seven years before i lost her. when things get bad just think of her and draw some courage,that’s what i do. i am retired military and i never met anyone in my 20 plus years that was more brave than her. you will overcome all obstacles if your faith is strong enough. god bless you!
By William S. Brice
August 2, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
Here are the facts: Boyd last year, 164 carries, 823 yards, 35 catches, 406 yards, 10 total TD’s. Lumpkin: 162 carries, 798 yards, 17 catches, 116 yards, 7 total TD’s.
Looks like they are fairly comparable as runners, but Boyd is a more complete back with his ability to catch out of the backfield. It will be interesting to see how Boyd looks playing at 215 lbs. this year instead of 200 lbs., like last season.
By Vince
August 2, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
The really important thing for the Dawgs this year will be the surge that the O-line produces, and the ability of our athletic pulling guards and fullbacks to bust some holes.
Plus the ability of the WR’s to block downfield.
If that all comes into play through the good work of Coaches Searels and Ball, our RB’s ought to have great breakout seasons.
Vince
By MSU Bulldogs
August 2, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this
Anthony Dixon of Mississippi State will be one of the better backs this fall. As a Freshman he ran for 600+ yards. He has size, speed and the ability to run inside and/or outside. Look for him to be a darkhorse this season especially if he develops his other skills needed to be a great back i.e. blocking, catching passes etc.
By Tommy
August 2, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
To AJ Green Wears #1-
Where are you getting the so called BIO on Cory Boyd? His highlight games were against Vandy, Kentucky, Clemson, and Houston. He had over 100 yds in each of those games except Houston (94yds). Not to mention the fact he lead all SEC RB’s in receiving last year. To me, that’s a complete back. He may not be the 2nd best in the league, but he is definitely top 5.
By bobby
August 2, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this
lamarcus coker is going to have a huge year! he is in my top 5 for sure!
By Kyle
August 2, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this
Big Dawg: I disagree with your pick for number 3. Emmitt Smith losts head-to-head against a better back - Rodney Hampton. Rodney was one of, if not the first of the prototypical backs in the NFL today - big, fast, could run inside/outside and catch the ball.
By ejd_gamecock
August 2, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this
who does number 2 play for?
By Ben
August 2, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
Unfortunately for the Bulldogs still holding on to the past, Mcfadden is probably going to solidify himself in SEC lore after this year in a way that puts him in this Walker/Jackson/Mcfadden argument for eternity. I will grant anyone the fact that, in reality, Walker probably belongs in a class all his own, and unless Mcfadden puts up 2000 yards this year (which is possible for him) it will likely stay that way. However, when you talk about the SEC’s best ever running backs, Mcfadden, Jackson, and Walker are likely to be the top three to come up for a long time after January of 2007.
By War Eagle
August 2, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this
Shane, sorry about the lost of your wife. Cancer is a horrible disease, this is my 5th bout, 3 chemo, 1 surgery and 1 radiation. I will have my 8th chemo treatment next week and hopefully only 2 more. My chemo buddy is Hamilton Jordan, a UGA big time fan. Hamilton is having rough times(5th time also). He is a great guy and we talk for 3-5 hours side by side. He gave me an autograph copy of his last book. It was an honor for Hamilton to write ” to my good War Eagle Buddy”.
By Look at where we are...
August 2, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
To all the Corey Boyd Fans:
GAMECOCK CENTRAL.COM
2007 (Senior): Hard-nosed runner who is a candidate for all-league honors in 2007… led the Gamecocks in rushing with 823 yards in 12 games in 2006… averaged 5.0 yards per carry… scored a team-high eight rushing touchdowns… also was third on the team and led all SEC running backs with 35 receptions for 406 yards and two scores… ranked fifth in the SEC and 59th in the country in rushing yards per game at 68.6 and was fourth in all-purpose yards, averaging 107.8 per game… per game average was hurt when he played against Arkansas despite being ill and did not have any carries… recorded three 100-yard rushing games - Kentucky, Vanderbilt and Clemson… tied the school record with three rushing TDs against Wofford… had the only touchdown (a 54-yard pass reception) in the win at Mississippi State… had a career-long 40-yard burst against Wofford… injured his ankle in that contest and did not play against FAU… had a 52-yard pass reception against MTSU… carried 18 times for 94 yards and two scores in the bowl win over Houston… is just the fourth player in school history to log 1,000 yards rushing and 70 receptions in a career… started seven games in 2006 and has 15 career starts
Tommy,
Again he is great because he blew up on Vandy, Kentucky, Clemson and Houston with great games against Wofford and MTSU? That is compiling stats against 5 TEAMS that had average to terrible defenses last year! He is the RAFAEL PALMEIRO of the SEC!
By Big Dawg
August 2, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
Kyle
I forgot about Rodney Hampton but I did see Rodney play in person several times and numerous times on TV and even though he was a great RB. I still think Emmitt was slightly better but I won’t lose any sleep over this.
Go Dawgs
By Mr.Cocky
August 2, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this
While we’re on the subject of underachievers wasnt Georgia’s RB trio supposed to be the best backfield in the country last season? I guess we’ll see about all this in about a month wont we. I just cant wait for Corey Boyd to show all these Georgia fans just how good he really is.
By Mr.Cocky
August 2, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this
While we’re on the subject of underachievers wasnt Georgia’s RB trio supposed to be the best backfield in the country last season? I guess we’ll see about all this in about a month wont we. I just cant wait for Corey Boyd to show all these Georgia fans just how good he really is.
By Ol Ball Coach
August 2, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this
Silly Dawg fans….when anyone wants to talk about SEC football, an din particular SEC RBs, you guys only have one thing to offer and that was well over 20 years ago.
By Look at where we are...
August 2, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this
Ugh,
Garrison Hearst? Runner up for the Heisman in..1992. Gamecock math a little fuzzy? Great Running Backs from UGA since Herschel..
Lars Tate
Rodney Hampton
Tim Worley
Garrison Hearst
Robert Edwards
Terrell Davis
Mack Strong
Musa Smith
I think thats not to bad a list…
By DK
August 3, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this
I wonder if article writers can be considered Trolls. If so, this guys is one of the best I’ve ever seen. =D