Photo by: Eric Evans/GoDucks.com
Preseason Camp Preview: RB
07/21/24 | Football, @GoDucksMoseley
Assessing how things stack up for the UO football program entering the start of preseason camp July 31.
RUNNING BACK
Who's back: The Ducks are looking to replace the production of Bucky Irving, who led the Pac-12 over the last two years combined with 2,238 rushing yards, and who is the only back in UO history with multiple 100-yard rushing efforts in bowl games. A different back was Oregon's second-leading rusher in each of those seasons, and both of those backs are on hand in 2024 to replace Irving's production.
Noah Whittington was the primary backup in 2022, and he was averaging an elite 7.3 yards per carry through four games in 2023 before suffering a season-ending injury. Into the void stepped Jordan James, a short-yardage specialist in 2022 who wanted the chance to prove he was much more than just that — and who did so last season, running for 759 total yards and 7.1 yards per carry while matching Irving for the team lead with 11 rushing touchdowns. James was the most productive offensive player in this year's Spring Game, accounting for 124 yards of offense, with five receptions for 73 yards and also 51 rushing yards with a touchdown.
Jayden Limar also returns in 2024, after participating in 11 games as a freshman last fall. Limar is a versatile back who can do a little of everything, and he had 30 yards rushing with 20 yards receiving in the spring game. Among the returners from the "look" team in practice is Kilohana Haasenritter, who also has excelled on special teams for the Ducks, plus Brison Cobbins and Ellis Bynum.
Who's new: While James led all players in total offense during this year's Spring Game, No. 2 on that list was a newcomer to the running back room, transfer Jay Harris. A Division-II all-American last season, Harris rushed for 1,433 yards and 14 touchdowns at Northwest Missouri State before joining the Ducks and amassing 83 total yards with a receiving touchdown in the Spring Game. Harris is a big body with a bruising style. Also new to the fold for 2024 is freshman Da'Jaun Riggs, who will get his first taste of college football when preseason camp opens.
What to watch: When preseason camp does open, it will be a big chance for Whittington to demonstrate how much progress he's made back from last year's injury. When he's at top form, he's about as fast and elusive as any back in the country, and the earlier he's back to that profile, the better for Oregon. James took a big step from his first year to his second, expanding his profile from short-yardage specialist to well-rounded back; now he has the chance to take another big step, and prove himself as a bell cow should that opportunity present itself. Limar also will look to take a step in his development, while Harris, Riggs and the other runners work to earn opportunities for themselves amongst a deep, talented stable of runners.
Who's back: The Ducks are looking to replace the production of Bucky Irving, who led the Pac-12 over the last two years combined with 2,238 rushing yards, and who is the only back in UO history with multiple 100-yard rushing efforts in bowl games. A different back was Oregon's second-leading rusher in each of those seasons, and both of those backs are on hand in 2024 to replace Irving's production.
Noah Whittington was the primary backup in 2022, and he was averaging an elite 7.3 yards per carry through four games in 2023 before suffering a season-ending injury. Into the void stepped Jordan James, a short-yardage specialist in 2022 who wanted the chance to prove he was much more than just that — and who did so last season, running for 759 total yards and 7.1 yards per carry while matching Irving for the team lead with 11 rushing touchdowns. James was the most productive offensive player in this year's Spring Game, accounting for 124 yards of offense, with five receptions for 73 yards and also 51 rushing yards with a touchdown.
Jayden Limar also returns in 2024, after participating in 11 games as a freshman last fall. Limar is a versatile back who can do a little of everything, and he had 30 yards rushing with 20 yards receiving in the spring game. Among the returners from the "look" team in practice is Kilohana Haasenritter, who also has excelled on special teams for the Ducks, plus Brison Cobbins and Ellis Bynum.
Who's new: While James led all players in total offense during this year's Spring Game, No. 2 on that list was a newcomer to the running back room, transfer Jay Harris. A Division-II all-American last season, Harris rushed for 1,433 yards and 14 touchdowns at Northwest Missouri State before joining the Ducks and amassing 83 total yards with a receiving touchdown in the Spring Game. Harris is a big body with a bruising style. Also new to the fold for 2024 is freshman Da'Jaun Riggs, who will get his first taste of college football when preseason camp opens.
What to watch: When preseason camp does open, it will be a big chance for Whittington to demonstrate how much progress he's made back from last year's injury. When he's at top form, he's about as fast and elusive as any back in the country, and the earlier he's back to that profile, the better for Oregon. James took a big step from his first year to his second, expanding his profile from short-yardage specialist to well-rounded back; now he has the chance to take another big step, and prove himself as a bell cow should that opportunity present itself. Limar also will look to take a step in his development, while Harris, Riggs and the other runners work to earn opportunities for themselves amongst a deep, talented stable of runners.
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