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College football rankings: Top 10 running backs of 2021

By Cody Williams

AMES, IA - SEPTEMBER 12: Running back Breece Hall #28 of the Iowa State Cyclones scores a touchdown in the first half half of the play at Jack Trice Stadium on September 12, 2020 in Ames, Iowa. The Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin"u2019 Cajuns won 31-14 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA - SEPTEMBER 12: Running back Breece Hall #28 of the Iowa State Cyclones scores a touchdown in the first half half of the play at Jack Trice Stadium on September 12, 2020 in Ames, Iowa. The Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin"u2019 Cajuns won 31-14 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images) /
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Tank Bigsby, Auburn Tigers. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Tank Bigsby, Auburn

During Gus Malzahn’s swan song with the Auburn Tigers — be it unceremonious or not — his offense came under a ton of fire because, frankly, it wasn’t working nearly as effectively as it had before. Quarterback Bo Nix was at the heart of that, without question. However, then-freshman running back Tank Bigsby emerged as a stud.

En route to winning SEC Freshman of the Year, Bigsby was a bouldering force in the Auburn rushing offense. In 10 games, the ball-carrier amassed 834 yards on 138 totes (6.0 yards per carry), though he did only score five touchdowns. However, he was key elsewhere for the Tigers, catching 11 balls and also showing out in the return game.

Bigsby proved in his first season with the program that he’s a load for opposing defenses to try and handle. Though he may not have the biggest frame, he is terrific at playing through contact, maintaining his balance and continuing to move the ball down the field through contact.

People are already high on Bigsby for the 2021 season after his freshman campaign but the arrival of head coach Bryan Harsin should make fans excited. Harsin helped create some elite Group of 5 rushing attacks and backs while at Boise State and, with one as talented as Bigsby, we could be about to witness a monster 2021 season from the Auburn back.