Tank Bigsby is a sponge: Tidbits from Doug Pederson on Day 9 of Jaguars training camp

1. Rookie Tank Bigsby has been as good as advertised in Jaguars training camp

Even though the Jaguars brought back JaMycal Hasty — the primary backup once James Robinson was traded to the New York Jets — and signed D'Ernest Johnson in free agency, they thought the running back still had room for someone else. And not wanting to waste the chance, they selected Tank Bigsby in Round 3 of training camp.

Bigsby was a downhill runner at Auburn and he's got the skill set to be a three-down back in the NFL. And while Travis Etienne is still slated to be the primary back in the Jaguars' backfield, Bigsby could earn significant carries throughout the regular season.

During his exchange with the media, Doug Pederson made sure to praise the former Tiger for his pass-catching skills and for how receptive he's toward coaching.

"Outside his size, speed, athleticism, and all that, this kid is a sponge", Pederson told the media. "He's a really smart, young running back, who understands defenses. One of the things to this that's been impressive is how well he's taken the coaching."

"Whether it be from Bernie [Parmalee] or myself or even [offensive line coach] Phil Rauscher, been able to take that and apply it to what he's been doing. He's improving every day. It's a really good and competitive room that I'm excited about because there's some really good talent in that room, "

Pederson said. Pederson continued, "But he's shown us some really good things with the competition, where he's at. TJ [Travis Etienne] has done a nice job as well. I wouldn't say he's a better pass catcher. In college, they didn't throw to him a bunch but he's a really good pass catcher out of the backfield."

Travis Etienne is expected to accumulate lots of yards in 2023 but it wouldn't be shocking if he doesn't because he ends up having to split carries with Bigsby. That wouldn't be a bad thing though. In fact, the Jaguars will gladly embrace the possibility of having a dynamic 1-2 punch at running back next season.

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