Repping for RBs

The frustration over finances being felt by NFL running backs has certainly made its way into the college game.

Arkansas tailback Raheim Sanders and Ole Miss’ Quinshon Judkins are among the SEC backs who have been asked about the trend among NFL teams at devaluing the position with smaller salaries and shorter contracts.

“I’d say my thoughts are I’m worried about the college game right now,” Sanders said on Wednesday. “That money’s going to come but at the same time I’m worried about college right now. I’ve got some things in front of me that I’ve got to handle first.”

Sanders was asked a follow up on whether he had seen what the Tennessee Titans’ Derrick Henry and other NFL backs have written on social media about the issue.

“Yeah, I’ve seen that,” Sanders said. “I wouldn’t say I have thoughts on that because I’m playing college, but I think they should be paid more.”

Judkins was also asked about Saquon Barkley’s contract impasse with the New York Giants.

“I think at that position you’re starting to have to show your skill set and more that you can do,” Judkins said. “That’s why I’m in college producing and doing what I do now. Not only running the ball out of the backfield but being able to produce in the passing game, being able to showcase my pass blocking. That’s something that you really have to showcase to the scouts in the NFL that you can do.”

Judkins and Sanders were 1-2 in rushing yardage in the SEC last year, with Judkins at 1,565 yards and Sanders at 1,443 yards. Sanders was third in SEC all-purpose yards with 1,714 and Judkins was fourth with 1,697.