RUNNING BACK, AUBURN, NFL DRAFT ELIGIBLE IN 2023
Tank Bigsby is a 6’0” and 210 lbs. four-star running back. He was the RB4 in his class and the 40th overall recruit. Bigsby is 247’s 105th ranked running back all-time.
PAST PRODUCTION (COLLEGE STATS)
Bigsby went viral in his third collegiate game when he had 146 yards on 20 carries. He became the Tigers workhorse back, despite their anemic Bo Nix-led offense. Bigsby battled injuries throughout the season, otherwise, his freshman stats would be even more impressive.
Bigsby rushed for 834 yards and five TDs on his 138 attempts. He had an impressive 6.0 yards per rush against the daunting defenses of the SEC. Bigsby showed that he is a capable pass catcher, but not to the extent of being able to play outside in his freshman season. He caught 11 passes for 84 yards.
Bigsby thrived in games in which Auburn fed him more than 15 carries and wore down defenses. In those five games, Bigsby averaged 129.8 yards and one TD. Bigsby had a dominator rating of 19.5% and an adjusted dominator rating of 20% both figures qualifying for a true freshman breakout. Bigsby is an older prospect in his class with an August birthday, his breakout age is 19.1 years old
2021 OUTLOOK/PERFORMANCE
Bigsby will be the clear focal point of the Auburn offense with Bo Nix remaining at quarterback and the departures of their alpha receiver Seth Williams and Olympic-speedster Anthony Schwartz, both declaring for the NFL after their junior seasons.
Bigsby has a lethal combination of top-end speed and power running. With defenses keying in on Bigsby he may not rip off as many big plays in 2021, however, we will get a good idea of how efficient he is with a heavy workload.
Gus Malzahn has historically developed lack-luster running back prospects at Auburn with players like Kerryon Johnson, Cameron Artis-Payne, and Peyton Barber. The Gus Malzahn era ended last season when he was fired before the close of the season. Bigsby was recruited by Auburn legend Cadillac Williams. Williams was retained as the RB coach by new head coach Bryan Harsin.
DEVY ANALYSIS
What’s the outlook for the next 3-5 years? Bigsby’s stock will be on the rise this offseason as his momentum was hampered by a late-season injury. Like Bijan Robinson, it is too far out to project 2023 running back’s draft capital.
Bigsby suffered a hip injury in the second half of his season. There were long-term concerns at first. However, those dissipated when he came back and put on a show with 196 yards in Auburn’s finale against Mississippi State. Tank Bigsby is currently being drafted as the devy RB4 behind Robinson, Hall, and Gibbs. He is being drafted around Pickens, Bell, and Spiller.
Bigsby gets the KD seal of approval, his combination of size, speed, contact balance, and suddenness makes him one of the most dangerous running backs in college football.
BONUS!
What are the player’s strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths:
- Contact balance and ability to keep runs alive after contact
- Elusiveness and ability to make a defender miss
- Breakaway speed
Weaknesses:
- Ability as a pass-catcher (using 20 catches per season as the standard threshold)
Thank you for reading my article! If you enjoyed it, keep an eye out for my future articles. Keep an eye out for other players that will also receive the KD seal of approval from my wife. You can also follow me on Twitter @DynastyDiagnos1 and reach out with any questions, comments, or ideas you’d like me to explore for a new article.
