Former Oregon running back's historic rookie powers Buccaneers into NFL playoffs
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Former Oregon Ducks running back Bucky Irving just finished off a memorable rookie season that helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win the NFC South.
Irving led all rookies in rushing with 1,122 yards and was the only first-year player to break the 1,000-yard mark. He also led all rookies with eight rushing touchdowns.
He became only the fifth Buccaneers rookie to surpass the 1,000-yard mark and recorded the third-best rookie rushing performance in the team's history. LeGarrette Blount, a 2010 graduate of Oregon, is one of that select group, rushing for 1,007 yards his rookie year.
Irving also became just the ninth player in Buccaneers history to run for over 1,000 yards.
Before his time in the NFL, as a true freshman at Minnesota in 2021, Irving ran 133 times for 699 yards and four touchdowns. He transferred to the University of Oregon following that season.
Irving recorded 1,357 yards from scrimmage and 13 total touchdowns in his sophomore season at Oregon in 2022. He rushed for 1,180 yards and 11 scores and was named second-team all-Pac-12. He was selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Buccaneers host the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round on Sunday at 5 p.m.