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Steelers former SEC players praise Rams' running back Todd Gurley

Todd Gurley has yet to play a down in the NFL, but recently drafted Steelers from the Southeastern Conference of the NCAA have a lot of respect for the rookie running back.

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers get back Le'Veon Bell this week, but it also looks like the St. Louis Rams can look forward to seeing their No. 10 overall pick at running back, Todd Gurley, to see the field for the first time this season.

Gurley was dominant in his time at the University of Georgia before he fell to injury in his senior season. In his time in the SEC, Gurley totaled 3,285 yards on the ground and 42 total touchdowns. Despite only playing six games in the 2014 NCAA season, he still has a lot of respect among players from the SEC.

For one, his own former teammate in Jarvis Jones, has a lot of respect for him.

"He's a great player, great kid," Jones said, according to Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "He's like my little brother. He's very smart, loves the game of football. He plays tremendously hard. He's a very good running back. I'm just happy he's healthy now and he has a chance to fulfill his dream."

But recent alumni of other SEC teams also know of and respect Gurley for his talents he displayed in college. Those include the likes of fellow rookie, Bud Dupree, from Kentucky.

"Gurley is Gurley," said Dupree, who played at Kentucky. "I feel like he's in a league by himself. Once he gets a couple of years under his belt, he'll be in a league of his own."

Second year player, Dan McCullers also chimed in about Gurley.

"He's a very powerful back, runs downhill," McCullers said. "You have to wrap up and make sure you get him to the ground. He will break tackles and keep going."

The Steelers did a good job of stopping Carlos Hyde last week, whom in week one ran for so many yards that he not only led the league before and after week 2. But against the Steelers he only ran for 43 yards on 13 carries.

Gurley might be going up against a Steeles' defense that has improved against the run, as they have yet to allow a running back to gain 70 yards through 2 weeks. If he is able to play, Pittsburgh will get a chance to test their new defense under Keith Butler against a top pick in the draft.