Bucky Irving Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Sean Meagher/The Oregonian)

School: Oregon

Class: Junior

Position: RB

HT: 5’10

WT: 195 lbs

Sideline Prospect Ranking: #48

Background: Bucky Irving was a consensus 4-star, top 300 player in the class of 2021. He was nationally regarded as a top 10 running back and one of the best players in his state. Bucky is from Chicago, Illinois and went to Hillcrest High School. He ran for over 3,000 yards and 50 touchdowns during his 3 years at Hillcrest. He was named first team all-state as a junior and was the conference Player of the Year after rushing for 1,733 yards. Bucky Irving originally committed to play for Minnesota over Michigan and Purdue.

College: In his one season at Minnesota, Irving was part of a running back tandem. He got a decent work load and rushed for 699 yards as a true freshman. He was also Minnesota’s kick returner and led the team in all-purpose yards on the season. Irving transferred to Oregon after his year at Minnesota and really took over the PAC 12. Bucky started 12 games for the Ducks and rushed for over 1,000 yards. He was named an All-PAC 12 member by every major outlet. As a junior in 2023, Bucky Irving rushed for over 1,000 yards and earned First Team All-PAC 12 from various outlets.

Strengths: Irving is a patient and shifty runner. He can cut in any direction to avoid potential tacklers. Irving lets the blocks develop in front of him before picking the hole in which he runs through. Bucky displays a deceivingly quick burst through the line to get to the second level of the defense. He is able to shift gears better than anyone and can lose his opponents with shift feet and elusiveness. Irving also has elite contact balance. Even with defenders draped all over him, he is able to stay on his feet and remain centered without his run coming to any sort of halt. Plays in which Irving should be brought to the ground, he finds a way to stay on his feet and gain extra yardage when it does not seem possible.

Weaknesses: The biggest concern with Irving is his size. As a smaller running back, he may not be able to take on a heavy workload in the NFL. The other issue many have with Irving is his lack of pass protection help. His slight frame offers nothing but the occasional chip block. While he is a net positive receiving back, he may find himself on the sidelines for obvious passing downs. Bucky Irving’s only real drawbacks seem to stem solely from his lack of size.

Conclusion: He has one of the most unique styles in the country and can be a true difference maker for an offense.

Scheme Fit: Zone Rushing Offense

Ideal Role: Starting RB

Best Team Fits: LAC, MIN, CIN

Player Comparison: Tyjae Spears

Player Grade: 83.4