The college football world is about to learn what everyone on The Plains already knows: Tank Bigsby is LEGIT.
After a breakout sophomore year that saw him rush for 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns, Bigsby received a pre-season accolade today. The Tigers’ workhorse running back has been named on the watchlist for the prestigious Maxwell Award, presented annually to the best player in college football.
Bigsby joins an illustrious list that includes fellow running back Bijan Robinson (Texas) and elite quarterback duo Bryce Young (Alabama) and CJ Stroud (Ohio State). The Maxwell Award has been presented every year since 1937, and simply making the watchlist is considered an achievement. A precursor to the Heisman Trophy, often one player scoops both awards – as Young did last year.
Bigsby To Carry The Load
Entering his junior year, running back Cartavious ‘Tank’ Bigsby returns to Auburn for his third season after an impressive 2021 campaign saw him rush for 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns. Bigsby was the standout performer for The Tigers’ offense as new head coach Bryan Harsin found his feet at Jordan-Hare. A four star recruit out of Hogansville, GA, Bigsby signaled his intent as a freshman and hasn’t looked back since.
Bigsby did consider his options this offseason before returning to Auburn for 2022. This decision demonstrates he has bought into the new culture that Harsin and his staff are cultivating. Bigsby is considered a leader of this team, alluded to by his attendance at this week’s media days. A strong season from the bruising ball carrier will determine how much of a turnaround The Tigers experience in 2022.
Can Bigsby Take Home The Award?
The Maxwell Award cares little for conferences or programs, and focuses solely on the performances of the individual. If Bigsby continues his current trajectory and has a season to remember on The Plains, then he will be strongly considered by the panel. And with Harsin expected to get a lot more production out of this offense in year two, hopes are high.
The bad news? As with the Heisman, The Maxwell award has moved away from running backs in recent years. Significantly, Derrick Henry was the last RB to win it in 2015, and the only ball carrier to take home the trophy since 2002. Whilst there is no doubt to his ability, Bigsby would need to overshadow the quarterbacks – and that will take some doing.
Regardless, it’s far from impossible. Semi-finalists will be announced 1st November, and the three finalists the 22nd of the same month. The award will be presented December 8th. Bigsby currently is ranked Auburn’s 20th all-time leading rusher with 1,933 yards. He is unquestionably one of the SEC’s best running backs. And huge year could catapult him into the top five of that list. Bigsby has earned his due recognition before the season starts; now it’s time to shine. WDE!
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