The Oregon Ducks are introducing a new roster into the spring football season in less than a month, with young names and fresh faces scattered throughout the projected depth chart on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.
That makes for a fun fan experience, as the Ducks ' faithful get a chance to see the young guys step up and earn significant roles on the roster after being highly rated recruits over the past couple of years.
One guy is starting to generate a lot of buzz on the offensive side of the ball.
According to former Oregon star pass-rusher Jordan Burch , freshman running back Da'Jaun Riggs is the real deal and is headed for a breakout in Eugene. On Wednesday at the 2025 NFL Combine, Burch was asked if there was a young player on Oregon's roster he would bet on to make it to the league in three years, using his first NFL paycheck as the funds.
His answer? 'Dink' Riggs.
"I'd say our running back, 'Dink.' He was pretty good," Burch replied. "He was just elusive. They'd throw him in there with the starters, and you couldn't even tell he was a freshman. Once he gradually gets up to his senior year, everybody will know him."
Whether or not Burch would use his first NFL paycheck to bet on Riggs making it to the league is another story, but the vote of confidence is undoubtedly encouraging for Oregon fans. Riggs played in only two games last season but rushed 11 times for 82 yards and a touchdown, showing some real explosiveness and the ability to get to the second level easily. Players and coaches on the Ducks' roster have called Riggs 'Bucky' as a nod to former Oregon running back Bucky Irving , who had a similar fluidity and explosiveness to his running style.
Unlike Irving and the other backs on Oregon's roster— Makhi Hughes , Noah Whittington, Jayden Limar—Riggs has a distinct size that sets him apart. At 6-foot, 210 pounds, he is a bigger rusher who can withstand contact and deliver a blow, while still possessing the ability to get out in space.
Going into the spring season, we have Riggs listed at the No. 3 spot on the depth chart behind both Hughes and Whittington, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see him establish a role in the offense and start to garner more carries as he progresses forward. Guys like Burch and other defenders have seen what he can do with the ball in his hands and noticed his high ceiling, now it's time for the fans to learn how good Riggs can be.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Jordan Burch offers glowing review of Oregon Ducks RB Da'Jaun Riggs
