From this point forward, Oregon fans have to refer to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the Bucky-neers.
Duck running back Bucky Irving was selected by the Bucs as the 125th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. Irving was the fifth Oregon played drafted on Day 4 and the seventh overall.
Irving became a nationally recognized back during the 2023 season as he took the Pac-12 by storm.
After starting his career at Minnesota, Irving played his last two college seasons for the Ducks.
Over his two seasons in Eugene, the former Duck had a jaw-dropping 2,228 yards on the ground and an additional 712 yards through the air.
He racked up a total of 21 career touchdowns for the Ducks and led Oregon’s rushing team by a long shot over the last two years.
Ready to run wild.
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) April 27, 2024
Bucky Irving is going to the @Buccaneers!#ProDucks x @BuckyIrving pic.twitter.com/8Ra7c4Suob
Despite being just 5-foot-10 and 195 pounds, incredibly small for a back at the NFL level, Irving is elusive on the field. He makes just about anyone and everyone miss their tackles in the hole.
While Irving isn’t slow, he ran a 4.55 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, he is more impressively quick.
Every time Irving has the ball in his hands, his rapid footwork and quick-twitch muscles are in action and it is a feat to witness.
Drafted ahead of Irving on Day 4 of the draft were teammates Troy Franklin, Khyree Jackson, Brandon Dorlus, and Evan Williams.
In the first round, quarterback Bo Nix was selected 12th overall by the Denver Broncos. On Day 2 of the draft, center Jackson Powers-Johnson was picked up by the Las Vegas Raiders.