When it comes to the Auburn football backfield in 2022, everyone is thankful Tank Bigsby sits atop the depth chart.
Rumors of a transfer rocked the program right around the time Bo Nix announced his own transfer portal entry, but Bigsby’s return was the first of many from upperclassmen-to-be/upperclassmen this offseason after a tumultuous conclusion to the 2021 season.
Behind him, Jacquez Hunter has carved out a solid role after standout performances this past campaign against Penn State and LSU in hostile environments as a freshman.
So there are known commodities at the top of the totem pole in the Tigers backfield, but there’s less certainty behind them.
Damari Alston has been a vocal leader of the Class of 2022 on social media, but he isn’t who AL.com’s Nubyjas Wilborn sees as RB3 at the moment. Instead, that distinction goes to bulky sophomore Sean Jackson:
"Jackson ran for 60 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries last season as a freshman walk-on from Trussville. He’s making positive impressions during the winter workouts. A good spring camp could see the 5-foot-9, 236 Hewitt-Trussville High alum get time as the third option at running back. He’ll also see a lot of action on special teams."
Alston isn’t next for consideration for Wilborn either. Instead, the AL.com writer believes that sophomore Jordan Ingram could also push for carries this season:
"Ingram saw a bit of action in the win against Alabama State last year. The Mobile native went to Central Michigan for the 2020 season but did not see game action before transferring to Auburn. Ingram could push Jackson for carries depending on how spring and fall workouts go for the 6-foot-1 back."
Alston had the hype behind him as an incoming freshman with success in the Peach State at the AAAA level, and he can still wow enough in the spring to change the narrative.
But it appears as though Bryan Harsin and his Auburn football staff are valuing experience within the program, considering T.J. Finley’s status as QB1 heading into A-Day.