Bucky Irving ranked among top-returning RBs in 2023 season
So far this offseason, a lot of time spent by the Oregon Ducks’ fanbase has been focused on the return of their quarterback, Bo Nix, and the addition of a handful of potentially key contributors via the transfer portal. While both of those things hold some massive importance for the Ducks’ outlook in 2023, there’s one thing that has been relatively under the radar as a storyline this offseason.
It’s the fact that both Bucky Irving and Noah Whittington are returning for another season in Eugene, and they have a chance to be among the best RB duos in the nation. If you want to look at a single player, then what Irving did last year was more impressive than many fans could have expected, and now the bar is set high for him in his second act with the Ducks.
Pro Football Focus went through offensive grades and recently ranked who they believe are the top 10 running backs that will be returning to their respective teams for the 2023 season.
It comes as no surprise that Irving is among the top players on that list. It also comes as no surprise that there is a former Oregon Duck on this list as well, who is thriving in his new home.
Frank Gore Jr. — Southern Miss Golden Eagles
Robert McDuffie-USA TODAY Sports
2022 Stats: 13 Games | 228 rushes, 1,382 yards, 9 TD
2022 Pro Football Focus Grade: 91.9
Donovan Edwards — Michigan Wolverines
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
2022 Stats: 11 Games | 140 rushes, 991 yards, 7 TD
2022 Pro Football Focus Grade: 87.0
Miyan Williams — Ohio State Buckeyes
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
2022 Stats: 11 Games | 128 rushes, 825 yards, 14 TD
2022 Pro Football Focus Grade: 89.1
Nicholas Singleton — Penn State Nittany Lions
2022 Stats: 13 Games | 156 rushes, 1,061 yards, 12 TD
2022 Pro Football Focus Grade: 74.7
Trey Benson — Florida State Seminoles
2022 Stats: 13 Games | 154 rushes, 990 yards, 9 TD
2022 Pro Football Focus Grade: 88.5
Braelon Allen — Wisconsin Badgers
2022 Stats: 12 Games | 230 rushes, 1,242 yards, 11 TD
2022 Pro Football Focus Grade: 80.2
Bucky Irving — Oregon Ducks
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
2022 Stats: 13 Games | 156 rushes, 1,058 yards, 5 TD
2022 Pro Football Focus Grade: 91.1
PFF Analysis
Irving was one of the most electric backs in the country this past year. The sophomore forced a missed tackle on 43% of his attempts, which ranked second in the country. It was also the fifth-best single-season mark in the PFF college era (more on that later).
The only thing holding Irving back from being as high as second on this list is his workload. The Minnesota transfer’s 157 attempts were tied for 67th in the nation and were only 17 more than teammate Noah Whittington. With Whittington also returning, Oregon will likely once again employ a committee approach to its backfield next season.
Raheim Sanders — Arkansas Razorbacks
Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
2022 Stats: 13 Games | 222 rushes, 1,443 yards, 10 TD
2022 Pro Football Focus Grade: 83.4
Quinshon Judkins — Ole Miss Rebels
Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
2022 Stats: 13 Games | 274 rushes, 1,567 yards, 16 TD
2022 Pro Football Focus Grade: 88.2
Blake Corum — Michigan Wolverines
2022 Stats: 12 Games | 247 rushes, 1,463 yards, 18 TD
2022 Pro Football Focus Grade: 96.2
