While the running back position might have taken a hit at the NFL level, it’s still a major impact position in college. Oregon Ducks running back Bucky Irving proved that, and he put together an underrated highlight reel with the Ducks.
From the Minnesota Golden Gophers to his time in Eugene, Irving shined in shared backfields throughout his career, and his college stats begin to tell the story of his journey to the 2024 NFL Draft.
Bucky Irving’s Freshman Year
Irving, a four-star recruit from the state of Illinois, chose the Gophers over a number of other schools. He held 24 offers heading into college and didn’t waste any time making an impact with his new school.
An unfortunate event thrust Irving into the rotation. Starting running back Mo Ibrahim went down with an Achilles injury in the first game against Ohio State, but depth wasn’t a problem for the Gophers. Ky Thomas and Treyson Potts were ready to shoulder the load, but Irving still received opportunities.
He ended up being the only running back to play more than 10 games that year, but he also read the writing on the wall with multiple players returning in 2022. With Ibrahim, Potts, and Bryce Williams all returning the following year, Thomas and Irving took their talents elsewhere through the transfer portal.
Rush Attempts: 133
Rush Yards: 699
Yards Per Carry: 5.3
Rush TDs: 4
Receptions: 8
Receiving Yards: 73
Yards Per Catch: 9.1
Receiving TDs: 0
Irving Shines in Sophomore Season at Oregon
Oregon Ducks entered the 2022 season needing multiple new starters. Quarterback Anthony Brown and running backs Travis Dye and CJ Verdell were all departing, so the backfield needed a makeover.
New head coach Dan Lanning hit the transfer portal to bring in former Auburn quarterback Bo Nix, Irving, and Western Kentucky running back Noah Whittington to man the backfield. Irving wasted little time securing his role in the offense and never looked back.
He ended the 2022 season with a monster game against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the Holiday Bowl. Irving rushed for 149 yards on just 13 carries (an explosive 11.5 yards per carry) and two touchdowns. He posted seven games in which he averaged more than six yards per carry and two games with more than 10 yards per carry.
Rush Attempts: 156
Rush Yards: 1,058
Yards Per Carry: 6.8
Rush TDs: 5
Receptions: 31
Receiving Yards: 299
Yards Per Catch: 9.6
Receiving TDs: 3
Ducks Breakthrough Seasons Highlights Irving’s Skillset
Lanning’s squad was on a mission in 2023. The combination of Nix’s development and the skill position depth gave the Ducks’ offense new life. Their offensive line needed five new starters, but that group also returned plenty of talent. Reaching the College Football National Championship was the goal, and Irving would do his part to try and get them there.
Tackling Irving was about as easy as convincing a toddler to wear a jacket over their Halloween costume when it’s cold outside. It just wasn’t going to be easy. He was one of the top players when it came to missed tackles, and the college football world gushed over his efforts.
KEEP READING: Bucky Irving Bullish on Oregon Ducks’ Returning Talent
Efficiency was again a theme for Irving in his final year with the Ducks. He posted six games where he averaged six or more yards per carry, including a blazing 29.8 yards on just four carries against Portland State to begin the year.
Rush Attempts: 186
Rush Yards: 1,180
Yards Per Carry: 6.3
Rush TDs: 11
Receptions: 56
Receiving Yards: 413
Yards Per Catch: 7.4
Receiving TDs: 2
Irvings’ Final College Stats
Rush Attempts: 475
Rush Yards: 2,937
Yards Per Carry: 6.2
Rush TDs: 20
Receptions: 95
Receiving Yards: 785
Yards Per Catch: 8.3
Receiving TDs: 5
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