During the questionnaire section of his SEC Media Days appearance, Kirby Smart started right where he left off last time.
While answering a question about having both Sony Michel and Nick Chubb returning for their senior years, he added that he was glad to have them back at ‘RBU’, short for “running back university.’
When asked about the comment, Georgia’s star running back Nick Chubb said that he agreed with his coach’s statement, citing the fact that the Bulldogs have had ‘so many great running backs.’
There’s no question that Georgia has produced some of the best running backs in history, a la Herschel Walker. More recently, Todd Gurley was arguably one of the greatest college football running backs ever, and has become one of the NFL’s top running backs with the L.A. Rams.
Yet, Alabama fans may feel the Crimson Tide deserve that title instead.
While a historically great running back like Shaun Alexander is undoubtedly a legendary player, his legacy is not quite up to that of Walker’s in the eyes of the people. What makes Alabama deserving of the title is what they are doing now.
Knowshon Moreno had an six-year effective stint in the pros, and the Nick Chubb/Sony Michel tandem will both find their ways to the NFL as well. Most likely they will both have good professional careers, but the backfield talent that Alabama has produced in the last ten years is unprecedented.
Glen Coffee, Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, Eddie Lacy, T.J. Yeldon, Derrick Henry -all have been productive in the NFL at some point or another. Two of those won Heisman Trophies during their times, and nearly a handful of national championship rings.
The titles of RBU, DBU, or Wide-Receiver U are solely opinionated nicknames given to schools by fans and members of the media usually based on the NFL talent they produce. Meaning, it is an unimportant and meaningless title in the grand scheme of things.
However, Alabama fans are sure to voice that they feel the Tide deserve the title instead. And for those who do, they will clearly have a legitimate argument.
Jake Weaver is a lead writer for TD Alabama Magazine and Bama Hoops Hype. You can contact him via phone at 205-612-5060, or on Twitter @JWeaver_TDALMag
