The rookie crash course is over for Buccaneers' running back Bucky Irving following the completion of rookie minicamp, voluntary OTAs and mandatory minicamp. An allotted five-week break period commences until training camp begins in late July for all players. For Irving, he will travel to Ft. Lauderdale and continue self-motivated training in the suffocating Florida heat to acclimate the body for the strenuous impending two-a-days.
Irving, the Bucs' fourth-round pick, played three seasons at Oregon and racked up 3,722 yards from scrimmage and 25 total touchdowns in 39 games. He surpassed 1,000 yards rushing in each of the last two seasons and averaged 6.2 yards per tote as a Duck. Irving also showcased his pass-catching ability and led all FBS running backs in 2023 with 56 receptions.
Now in the NFL, Irving has prioritized learning the playbook and absorbing Liam Coen's system through active listening and implementation. Every night, Irving plays an audio recording of the installs, then acts them out for ingestion. The game has slowed down for him, optimizing growth on the practice fields. Irving does not have a set regimented role on the offense yet and is focused on making the most of his opportunities.
"There is always room for improvement and room to learn so I am just leaning on these older guys and learning from them," said Irving. "Rachaad White and Chase Edmonds have been great leaders for me and have helped me with the playbook and with things that I needed to know. I am pretty much leaning on those guys, and I will fill whatever role the coach needs me to play. I don't necessarily have a role yet; I am just going with the flow until my number is called."
Irving plays with outstanding contact balance and can make defenders miss with lateral jump cuts. He is adept between the tackles with a downhill charge and run-through-power mentality. Irving can play all three downs and will serve as a complement to White and Edmonds in the Bucs' backfield. He provides another go-to option for Baker Mayfield on checkdowns with his upside as a pass-catcher.
