Oregon Ducks Running Back Jordan James Names 'Next Bucky Irving'

Oregon Ducks running back Jordan James previewed Saturday’s game vs. Michigan Wolverines and gave shoutouts to the Oregon running backs room. James even said the Ducks may have found their next Bucky Irving with freshman running back Da'Juan Riggs.

Oct 26, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Jordan James (20) breaks away from Illinois Fighting Illini defenders during the second half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images / Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

The Oregon Ducks travel to Ann Arbor to take on the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday afternoon. Ducks running back Jordan James spoke after practice, detailing what stands out about Michigan. 

James also talked about the recent performances of his fellow teammates, running backs Noah Whittington and Da’Juan Riggs.

Oct 26, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Jordan James (20) warms up before a game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images / Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Jordan James on Michigan: “It’s Going to Be a Challenge for Us”

The Michigan Wolverines identity is toughness and physicality in the trenches. Jordan James was asked about what has stood out from two of the Wolverines’ top defensive linemen, Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant.

“On tape they dominate people. Those are two first-round picks they have up front,” James said. “It’s going to be a challenge for us.’

James was asked if he expects any difference going up against this defensive compared to one’s previously this season. 

Oct 26, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Donovan Edwards (7) and quarterback Alex Orji (10) celebrate after defeating the Michigan State Spartans at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

“No. I know my offensive line will get the job done,” James said. “It doesn’t matter who we line up against.”

The Oregon offensive line put on a clinic last week in the run game in their 38-9 win over Illinois. Overall, the Ducks had 39 rushes for 229 yards and two touchdowns. With seven different Ducks getting carries, they averaged nearly six yards per carry.

Going up against a good defensive line means that James will have to be ready for the downs when he’s called for pass protection. James approaches every play the same whether he has the ball or not. 

“You try to show what you can do without the ball in your hands because you know that matter as much as what you can do with the ball in your hands,” James said. “It feels good to knock the sh*t out of guys."

Ducks Find the Next Bucky Irving?

Oregon Ducks Running Back / @backdoor_dink on Instagram

In addition to James, running back Noah Whittington and Da’Juan “Dink” Riggs also had good games vs. Illinois. James was asked about the performances of those two.

“He (Noah Whittington) is violent, he’s physical,” James said. “He doesn’t have as much size as me, but he runs just as physical, even more physical.”

As for the freshman Riggs, James says he reminds everyone of former Duck and current member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Bucky Irving.

“We’ve been calling him Bucky since he got here,” James said. “We feel like he runs like Bucky. We see it in practice every day…He puts in the work.”

For Riggs, that is a great company to be with. Bucky Ircing ran for over 1000 yards in both his seasons as a Duck, in 2022 and 2023. He is currently thriving in his rookie year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and looks like a steal in the 2024 NFL Draft.

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