NUMBERS TO KNOW — SEC/SUNBELT (preview)

	In 2021, Brian Robinson had 49.5% of Alabama’s rushing attempts. That is consistent with Bill O’Brien’s tenure with the Houston Texans, as the running eight-year average for his RB1s is 48.9% of the total volume share. Is Jahmyr Gibbs ready for a heavy workload?
	Tank Bigsby had 42 carries inside the red-zone in 13 games last year, but he only scored nine rushing touchdowns, which largely contributed to him finishing at RB54. By comparison, Braelon Allen had 41 attempts inside the red zone in just 10 games played last year, and he didn’t even begin receiving consistent carries until Week 5. With Auburn bringing back four starters on the OL, we should see improved numbers from Bigsby in 2022.
	KJ Jefferson finished last season as the QB31 in CFF despite Arkansas averaging just 24.2 passing attempts per game, which was the lowest number ever for a Kendal Briles-led offense. There is no Treylon Burks for Jefferson to lean on in 2022, but could more passing attempts lead to a higher fantasy output?
	Tank Bigsby had 42 carries inside the red-zone in 13 games last year, but he only scored nine rushing touchdowns, which largely contributed to him finishing at RB54. By comparison, Braelon Allen had 41 attempts inside the red zone in just 10 games played last year, and he didn’t even begin receiving consistent carries until Week 5. With Auburn bringing back four starters on the OL, we should see improved numbers from Bigsby in 2022.

	Yes, new offensive coordinator Kevin Barbay fed Lew Nichols every chance he could last year at Central Michigan, but that is not always his preferred approach with running back usage. With a healthy Kobe Lewis in 2019-20, the RB2 accounted for over 30% of the team’s rushing attempts in both years. Barbay will likely split the workload between Camerun Peoples and Nate Noel.
	The Red Wolves rank fifth nationally in pass attempts per game (45.0) over the last three seasons with Keith Heckendorf as offensive coordinator, including 524 attempts in 2021 which was eighth most in the country. Arkansas State will likely give up a ton of points again in 2022, but that might be a good thing for James Blackman/Te’Vailance Hunt/Jeff Foreman owners.
	Braydon Bennett remains our projected RB1, but we’re hesitant to put that in stone for a few reasons. Just 14% of Bennett’s carries last season came inside the red zone, compared to 24% for Reese White. 49% of Shermari Jones’ attempts last season occurred between the tackles in 2021 according to Pro Football Focus, while those numbers were 33% for White and just 13% for Bennett.

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