AUBURN, AL (EETV)- Kicking off this new weekly series highlighting former Auburn stars across professional sports is none other than Auburn Football’s seventh all-time leading rusher, Cartavious “Tank” Bigsby.
The nickname "Tank," which was given to him by his father at a young age due to his knack for running into items around the house, ended up suiting him well for his flourishing football career. The hard-hitting back out of LaGrange, GA, committed to Auburn back in 2019 as a member of former coach Gus Malzahn’s final recruiting class in 2020. Tank made his presence known immediately on the Plains, rushing just shy of 1,000 yards in only ten games! He also took home the SEC Freshman of the Year award, joining former Auburn quarterback Bo Nix, who claimed this award the year prior. Taking all of this into account, fans were quick to realize that they were witnessing the birth of the next great Auburn tailback.
Tank continued his dominance over the course of his last two years here at Auburn. Bigsby accumulated over 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns through the end of his stint as he set his eyes on the pros. Going into the NFL draft with over 2,900 yards and 25 touchdowns in just three years is a recipe for success…especially when playing for the best conference in the country. That proved to be true as the stage for the 2023 NFL draft was set, and Auburn’s own Tank Bigsby was widely recognized as a top skill player in the draft.
“With the 88th pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars select Tank Bigsby, running back – Auburn!”
These were the words announced on the draft stage by former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Fred Taylor. With Tank’s dream finally fulfilled and his excitement at an all-time high, he was set to go to Jacksonville to help revamp their offense, which was in dire need of some offensive firepower. Tank would join former National Championship-winning quarterback Trevor Lawerence, giving Jaguar fans hope for a youthful yet electrifying backfield.
Entering into his rookie season in 2023, Tank would serve the common role of a young mid-round pick…the bench. Logging just 138 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns, the newest Jaguar’s role shifted quickly from his previous role as a Tiger. Tank would have to quickly learn patience, and that his time would come. Luckily for the fans, and most importantly for Tank, that shift seems to be coming quicker than anticipated, only four games into the 2024 NFL season.
Tank Bigsby, just four games in, has already eclipsed his previous total yards with 172 and counting. On top of that, Tank currently leads the league in yards per carry with 8.2. With that being said, take that with a grain of salt. We are only four games into the season; however, this is a sign of newfound usage of Bigsby by the Jaguars that fans of his can gain excitement over. Tank Bigsby shows more upside every week, and he’s just getting started.
Following the career of Tank Bigsby has been quite the treat. Tank may have bumped into things around the house as a little one, but the Jaguars may have that to thank for the wrecking ball of a running back they will lean on more and more this season. Clumsy kids around the globe can look towards Tank, as they’ve now found their example for a reckless kid turned rockstar athlete.
