Auburn football: Analyst lauds Tank Bigsby for key snub in NFL draft message

Auburn football running back Tank Bigsby did what many expected him to do following three seasons as the RB1 on the Plains: declaring to turn pro and make himself eligible for the 2023 NFL draft.

Bigsby released a statement via his Instagram on Monday, December 12, thanking several of his past coaches, including current UCF HC Gus Malzahn and running backs/associate head coach Carnell “Cadillac” Williams, who recruited Bigsby to AU in August 2019:

"“My dreams came true when Coach (Gus) Malzahn and his staff offered me the opportunity to become an Auburn student-athlete. I’ll forever be appreciative for coach ‘Lac’ Williams leadership and him believing in me and my capabilities. I valued the opportunity to run out of the tunnel and play in game environments at Jordan-Hare Stadium that was absolutely electrifying that words can’t describe. Shoutout to the Auburn nation and fans for your continuous support throughout my three years at Auburn.”"

Notably missing was Bryan Harsin, who coached Bigsby in more games than any other Auburn football head coach. Opelika-Auburn News deputy editor Justin Lee made it clear in a series of tweets that he approves of the snub:

The current state of the Auburn football RB room without Tank Bigsby

Without Tank Bigsby, Auburn football will still be stacked in the RB room. Jarquez Hunter is a more than worthy candidate to take the bulk of the carries, and Damari Alston proved in spurts that he possesses big-play potential as well.

It’s possible that Hugh Freeze and new offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery focus on adding depth to the room, but even if they rolled with the current group, the Tigers’ running attack will be a weapon once again in 2023.