Jordan Burch Highlights an Unsung Freshman Talent at the NFL Scouting Combine
As the NFL Scouting Combine unfolds, the spotlight is primarily on the athletes in attendance. These prospects use the event to demonstrate their skills, athletic ability, and personality to NFL scouts and executives in hopes of securing a spot in the upcoming draft. However, every now and then, a player takes the opportunity to shift the attention to someone else, which speaks volumes about their character.
Oregon defensive standout Jordan Burch did just that when he was asked an interesting question: If he had to place his first NFL paycheck on a freshman teammate from last season making it to the league in three years, who would he pick?
After taking a brief pause, Burch named a player that many Oregon fans and analysts may not have expected—running back Da’Juan “Dink” Riggs.
A Surprising Choice
“Last year’s freshman? I’ll say our running back, Dink,” Burch revealed, referring to Riggs by his nickname. “He’s pretty good. He was just elusive. When you threw him in there with the starters, you couldn’t even tell he was a freshman. So I think once he [moves up the depth chart] this year, he’ll be pretty good.”
This response was somewhat unexpected. Riggs is not a widely discussed name in Oregon football circles, especially considering that the Ducks recently secured one of the top running backs in the transfer portal, Makhi Hughes. However, Oregon has a long tradition of developing explosive running backs who can step in and make an impact when needed.
Riggs, a former three-star recruit from Washington, D.C., possesses a solid frame at 6 feet and 210 pounds—ideal for a college running back. Though he didn’t see much action in his freshman season, he made the most of the limited opportunities he received. Typically appearing in games during blowout victories, Riggs carried the ball 11 times for an impressive 82 yards, averaging 7.5 yards per carry, and recorded his first career touchdown.
Praise from Teammates
Burch’s praise for Riggs isn’t the first endorsement he has received from a veteran player. Last October, Oregon running back Noah Whittington also acknowledged Riggs’ potential.
“I was just excited he got to do it on Saturday,” Whittington said, referring to Riggs getting his first real game action. “He always does it throughout the week. He deserves it. I’ve been telling him he runs exactly like Bucky [Irving].”
Such comparisons are significant, as Bucky Irving was a key player for the Ducks. If Riggs can emulate Irving’s running style and productivity, he could carve out a substantial role for himself in Oregon’s offense.
The Road Ahead for Riggs
As Riggs enters his sophomore season, he will have the opportunity to compete for a more significant role in Oregon’s backfield. With the addition of Hughes via the transfer portal, the competition for touches will be tough, but Burch’s comments suggest that Riggs has the skills to rise to the occasion.
For Oregon fans, this might be a name worth keeping an eye on. While he hasn’t received much attention yet, Riggs has the attributes to become a major contributor in the coming seasons. If his development continues at the pace his teammates suggest, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him emerge as a key offensive weapon for the Ducks and, potentially, a future NFL prospect.
