Rankin played football, basketball, and track for the Lincoln High School Trojans of Stockton, California.

As a senior, Rankin rushed for 2,245 yards and 41 touchdowns, setting the school record.

His senior season was the first time in 10 years that a Washington tailback was able to break 1,000 yards.

He was released by Oakland during final cuts on August 30, but re-signed to the team's practice squad the following day.

On February 10, 2012, it was announced that Rankin had signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League.