Despite being nicknamed QBU, the Oregon football team frequently relies on their running backs to carry the offensive load.
Following a season where Bucky Irving was a crucial piece of the Ducks’ offense, let’s take a look at who some of the greatest Oregon running backs have been.
One of the most wildly under-discussed players in Oregon history is Ricky Whittle. The Ducks’ RB1 from 1992-95, Whittle has the 10th most career rushing yards for the program.
During his time in Eugene, Whittle played in 40 games. He had 559 rush attempts for 2,423 yards, averaging 9.5 yards per carry.
He ran for 21 touchdowns and caught three touchdown passes, bringing his collegiate total to 24 TDs. He had 3,194 all-purpose yards in his four seasons with the Ducks.
After his senior season, Whittle was named a second-team All-American and was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 1996 NFL Draft. He had 214 all-purpose yards in his only NFL season.