Former Auburn RB Tank Bigsby making noise for Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars social media pages have been hyping up former Auburn running back, now NFL rookie Tank Bigsby. It seems the Jags are excited about the potential of Bigsby early on.
Bigsby even made a move on the recent depth chart release from the Jacksonville Jaguars. He is listed as the first back behind returning starter and former Clemson standout Travis Etienne. Bigsby is listed ahead of former Baylor running back JaMycal Hasty, who had his best pro year in 2022 for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He is also listed ahead of former Ole Miss running back Snoop Conner.
In three seasons at Auburn, Bigsby rushed for 2,903 yards and 25 touchdowns. He added 62 catches for 448 yards and is being talked about as a receiving threat out of the backfield for the Jaguars.
“They didn’t go to him a bunch [at Auburn], but he’s a real good pass catcher out of the backfield,” Pederson told John Oehser of Jaguars.com.
It sounds as though Auburn fans will get to see Bigsby get some significant playing time when the 2023 NFL season arrives in September.
Doug Pederson, Travis Etienne think highly of Bigsby
Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson is pleased with his rookie running back early on.
“Outside of speed, athleticism, all that … this kid is a sponge,” Pederson said to John Oehser of Jaguars.com. “He’s really a smart, young running back. He understands the defense. One of the things, too, that has been impressive is how well he has taken the coaching – whether from [running backs coach] Bernie [Parmalee], myself, even [offensive line coach] Phil Rauscher. He’s able to take that and apply it to what he’s doing. He’s just improving every day.”
Star running back Travis Etienne is also impressed with what he has seen from Bigsby.
“I’ve seen a lot out of Tank,” Etienne said to Oehser. “I just love his grind; I love his grit. I feel like he’s very hungry. That’s what I love about him, just seeing his willingness to get better every day. He’s a rookie, he’s new in the scheme. I’ve been there, so I’m seeing where he’s going and just his willingness to come in every day and learn. I love that about him and that’s why you’re going to see a lot of growth from him early.”
Bigsby knew he could handle the adjustment and the speed of the NFL. He is where he expected to be at this point.
“I always believe in putting your best foot forward and focusing on the task,” Bigsby told Oehser. “I’ve still got a long way to go. We’ve got the first preseason game coming up. I have to keep getting better every day to become the best I can be and reach my full potential. I’m where I expected to be. I have to keep getting better and know my assignments, be disciplined. Now, it’s moving fast and getting used to the pace of the NFL.”
