Auburn Tigers Product Tank Bigsby of the Jacksonville Jaguars Is Champing at the Bit to Finally Get in Pads

There’s something unmistakable about the way Tank Bigsby speaks when the topic shifts to football. The former Auburn Tigers standout and current Jacksonville Jaguars running back has a hunger in his voice, a tone fueled not by frustration but by deep anticipation. As offseason workouts roll on and organized team activities (OTAs) continue, Bigsby’s eyes are already locked on the real deal: getting back into pads, feeling that first contact, and proving he’s ready for more.

“I’m champing at the bit to get in pads,” Bigsby recently told reporters after a Jaguars OTA session. “That’s when the game is real. That’s when you find out who really wants it.”

It’s the type of statement that defines the 22-year-old back—fierce, focused, and relentlessly driven. Bigsby’s first year in the NFL was a learning experience, one filled with promise and occasional growing pains. The Jaguars selected him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, banking on the potential they saw during his three seasons at Auburn, where he rushed for over 2,900 yards and 25 touchdowns.

At Auburn, Bigsby built a reputation as a tough, decisive runner who could find seams in tight spaces and run through contact. He became the heart of Auburn’s offense in his sophomore and junior years, often shouldering the load in tough SEC matchups. But the NFL is a different animal—faster, more complex, and demanding another level of mental processing. In his rookie year, Bigsby rotated in behind starter Travis Etienne Jr., getting limited touches but still managing to flash some of the skills that made him such a coveted prospect.

He finished his debut season with 132 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 50 carries, along with 35 receiving yards on two receptions. The numbers were modest, especially for a player used to carrying the bulk of the load in college, but Bigsby isn’t deterred. In fact, that rookie campaign has only fueled his desire to evolve.

“Last year was a foundation year,” he said. “There were some plays I wish I could have back. Some I want to fix. But I learned a lot, and now I’m coming in with a better understanding of what I need to do.”

Coaches have noticed. Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson praised Bigsby’s professionalism this offseason and pointed out the strides he’s already made in offseason workouts. The second-year back has been sharper in meetings, quicker in reacting to defensive fronts, and more confident in both running and receiving reps. While Etienne remains the team’s primary back for now, Bigsby is pushing for a larger role, and that competition could benefit Jacksonville’s entire offense.

“He’s attacking it the right way,” Pederson said. “We love his attitude. He’s not waiting for an opportunity to come to him—he’s preparing like it’s already here.”

Bigsby’s motivation doesn’t just stem from wanting to play more; it’s about being the best version of himself. That mindset traces back to his days in LaGrange, Georgia, where he grew up in a football-rich culture and fell in love with the sport early. The nickname “Tank” wasn’t just a catchy label—it was earned. His physical style and relentless work ethic stood out from the moment he put on pads as a kid.

That grit carried him through high school at Callaway and then onto Auburn, where his freshman season in 2020 was a breakout campaign despite the chaos of the COVID-affected schedule. He earned SEC Freshman of the Year honors, rushing for 834 yards in just 10 games. It was a preview of what he could do with time and touches. Over the next two seasons, he showed more polish and versatility, even as Auburn’s offensive struggles limited his opportunities at times.

Now in Jacksonville, Bigsby finds himself in a better situation—an offense with balance, a quarterback in Trevor Lawrence who can stretch defenses, and a coaching staff that believes in player development. But what Bigsby wants more than anything else is to make defenders feel his presence. And that means pads.

“In shells, you can’t tell the whole story,” he said. “I’m a physical runner. I want contact. I want to fall forward. That’s my style, and I want to show that again.”

That style—north-south, aggressive, no-nonsense—has made him a favorite among teammates. Offensive linemen appreciate the way Bigsby hits holes without hesitation. Defenders respect the fact that he’s willing to finish runs rather than dance around. Wide receivers know that when Bigsby is in the backfield, safeties creep up, giving them room to work. In short, his game creates impact beyond just the box score.

Jaguars running backs coach Bernie Parmalee has been instrumental in helping Bigsby refine the details. Pass protection, route running, ball security—these are the areas where rookies often struggle, and where Bigsby faced challenges in 2023. But his approach to correction has been relentless.

“He doesn’t flinch at criticism,” Parmalee said. “You tell him something once, he absorbs it. You tell him twice, he’s already fixing it. That’s what you want in a young back. He’s not just trying to play. He’s trying to master it.”

The confidence is mutual. Bigsby trusts the staff. He believes in his progress. And most of all, he’s embracing the grind. In a league where expectations can often crush young players, his ability to stay grounded is a reflection of the values instilled in him at Auburn. He credits former Auburn coaches Cadillac Williams and Bryan Harsin for helping him mature on and off the field.

“They taught me what it means to be accountable,” Bigsby said. “You don’t wait for things to go your way. You work. Every day. Every snap.”

That’s the mantra he’s carried into this summer, and why he’s itching to trade helmets and shorts for full pads and real collisions. It’s more than just the physicality—it’s the timing, the reads, the adrenaline. For Bigsby, real football doesn’t begin until the pads are on. And the Jaguars are counting on him to bring that physical edge when the time comes.

As training camp looms, the questions begin to surface. Can Bigsby earn more touches? Will he evolve into a reliable No. 2 option or even threaten to split carries with Etienne? Can he carve out a role in the passing game and contribute in red-zone scenarios? These are the battles that will define his second season. But for now, the mission is simple: stay ready, stay sharp, and keep pushing.

And Bigsby is doing just that.

“I’m in a good spot right now,” he said. “But I’m not satisfied. I’ve got so much more to prove.”

That mindset could spell trouble for opposing defenses. The Tank is rolling again—only this time, he’s not a wide-eyed rookie. He’s a second-year back with something to prove and a chip on his shoulder the size of Jordan-Hare Stadium. He knows what’s expected, he’s prepared for the workload, and above all else, he’s ready to hit somebody.

So, as the Jaguars edge closer to the start of real training camp, keep an eye on No. 4. The pads are coming out soon, and Tank Bigsby will be the first one strapping them on. Because that’s when he’s at his best. When the contact is real, when the noise gets louder, and when every carry matters.

And he wouldn’t have it any other way.