Playing running back for the Oregon Ducks is a special honor. From greats like LaMichael James, Kenjon Barner and Royce Freeman lining the backfield to recent stars such as Bucky Irving and Jordan James pounding through defenders, there is a certain expectation for players to live up to when carrying the football for the Ducks.
Da’Jaun “Dink” Riggs has shown plenty of talent and potential to the coaching staff in practice, proving that he is capable of becoming an important figure in the offense on Saturdays. Unfortunately, things haven’t panned out that way for Riggs in Eugene.
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In two seasons, Riggs has only had 28 carries for the Ducks. Dealing with a slew of injuries, Riggs has not been able to get on the field much and show what he’s worth. Riggs has scored just one touchdown for the Ducks in his career and only played in five games last season before an injury in October pushed him to the sideline.
Oregon’s running back room has loaded up. Sophomores Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. lead the way into the 2026 season, while veteran transfer Simeon Price and freshmen Tradarian Ball and Brandon Smith fight for snaps as well. As fall camp ramps up, the 6-foot Riggs might be overlooked by some, but he’s showing up on the tape for the Oregon coaching staff.
“Dink is pushing as hard as I’ve ever seen him push,” offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer said on Friday. “I do think that for some guys, setbacks change the way they view life. I think that probably happens for all of us. Not everything is just going to happen the way it always has. You don’t just go from JV football to varsity and then, ‘Hey, I’m pretty good, so I know I’m going to play college. It’s just a matter of where.'”
While he was forced off the field with an injury last season, Riggs spent more time in the film room, working to deepen his understanding of the offense to make a seamless transition back to the field. Throughout the spring and now early into fall camp, the work is paying off.
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The depth chart remains uncertain, and the Ducks will likely give all of their running backs a chance to shine early in the season. Riggs has warranted a closer look, especially as the most tenured player in the room in Oregon’s system.
“He’s extremely focused and competitive,” Mehringer said. “I think that room is really, really tight. I think (Ra’Shaad) Samples does a really good job in that room. (Riggs) has got two other guys in that room who are also pushing him, but he’s also having to lead some of the new guys who are in that room as well. He’s not a super vocal guy or anything like that. He’s pretty quiet, but he’s tough. He works his tail off. If he continues to do what he does, he’s right there. He’s right in the mix, and we’re excited about where he’s going.”
Opportunities are earned in Oregon’s offense, not given. With Mehringer running the offense this season, and most of Oregon’s depth from last season gone, there is a bit of a fresh slate for Riggs to work with this fall. If the early returns in fall camp are any indication, Riggs will be a factor on Saturdays for Oregon this season.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon RB Da’Jaun Riggs pushing harder than ever after injury setback
