Pewter Report’s Bucs Camp Diary, a popular training camp feature on PewterReport.com, returns in 2024. We are excited to have two very intriguing players to profile in veteran outside linebacker Markees Watts and rookie running back Bucky Irving, the Bucs’ fourth-round pick. 

Watts was the fifth on the depth chart at outside linebacker last year and a roster spot is not assured in 2024. But he has the talent to make the team once again – and shoot up the depth chart with a great camp and preseason.
 
Irving will take readers through the experience of rookie life in his first training camp in Tampa Bay in Liam Coen’s new offense. The small, shifty, tackle-breaking runner and receiver is expected to back up Rachaad White and earn carries and playing time based on his camp and preseason performance.
 
Look for Watts’ and Irving’s Camp Diary installments each week throughout training camp and the preseason.

Bucky Irving was the Bucs’ fourth-round pick in 2024. He had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons at Oregon, where he averaged 6.5 yards per carry and scored 16 touchdowns on the ground, including a career-high 11 TDs in 2023. Irving was one of the most prolific receiving backs in college football over the last two years, catching 87 passes for 712 yards and five touchdowns. He led all college running backs last year with 56 receptions for 413 yards and a pair of scores. Irving is poised to be Rachaad White’s backup this year. In training camp, he’ll be determining what his role will be on the team and how many snaps he’ll earn this season.

When The Pads Come On, The Dawgs Come Out

By Bucky Irving As Told To Scott Reynolds

Bucs RB Bucky Irving – Photo by: USA Today

I was looking forward to putting the pads on today. When the pads come on, the dawgs come out. We didn’t have pads on for a while, but when the pads come on it’s time to play real football. It’s time to get to work.

Speaking of dawgs, I come to a team that is full of [Washington] Huskies. I’m an Oregon Duck and those Huskies guys [wide receiver Jalen McMillan, tight ends Devin Culp and Cade Otton, defensive tackles Vita Vea and Greg Gaines and outside linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka] give me crap every day. Every day I’ve got to hear about it. I’ve lost to Washington three times, so I can’t say too much. They’ve got me right now. We’ll definitely have a bet going for sure this fall. They’re going to have to come in with all Oregon gear on the next day when they lose.

I like having the pads on. It’s going to be hot – even hotter in pads – but I feel like it’s going to be an advantage for us, especially early in the season [with three home games in September]. The key is to stay locked in and stay hydrated. Today was great in pads, though. Guys getting to thump you up and get a couple of thuds in. It’s almost time to play some games, so we need to get into game mode sooner or later.

Bucky Irving Has Been Getting Extra Reps In Practice – And After Practice

Bucs RB Bucky Irving – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

I don’t mind the extra work [with running back Chase Edmonds being out injured.] It’s always great to get in there for more plays, get good reps and compete at a high level. I don’t know what my role is on this team yet, but I’m ready whenever my number is called.

I’ve been getting some extra reps in with Kyle Trask after each practice. That’s something we created when I first got here. He was a guy who was willing to help me with the playbook so I could learn it. He’s a guy who sends me audio every night so I can listen to and visualize the plays the night before we come out here and practice. That says a lot about him. He’s a great guy and a great teammate who is willing to help me out. He’s helping me come out here and compete.

I take a lot of pride in my pass protection. Guys always try to say that little guys can’t pass protect, but I feel like pass protection is a willing thing to do. You’ve got to want to do it – and I want to do it. You have to protect your quarterback and put your life on the line for me. If you do that he’ll always trust you and he’ll go to with the check-downs.

What has stopped young backs from getting on the field is pass protection. They can’t pass protect. I feel like if you did it in college you can lock in on the different looks they give you… here in the NFL, they disguise it a little bit more. You just need to be patient and trust your eyes.

I haven’t watched any of Warrick Dunn’s pass pro yet, but I’ve heard good things about it. I’ve seen Warrick Dunn run, I’ve watched that film, but I need to see him pass protect and I’ll watch that soon.

Bucky Irving Is In The Mix For Bucs’ Kick Return Duties

Bucs RB Bucky Irving – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

We’ve been practicing a lot on special teams doing some kick return. My college coach always told me that I would have to find my way on special teams. Any way I can get on the field and help this team win and have a big impact – whether it’s special teams or having the ball in my hands, I’m willing to do whatever.

I think special teams are a big part of setting the tone for the game or how the game is about to go. If I end up getting that role I’m going to be up for the challenge and I’m going to do it at a high level.

I’ve got to see it, but I think the new kick return rule is cool. They have to wait for you to get the ball before they can move. The ball is in your hands to do what you want to do. That’s the most interesting thing about it so far.

Follow Bucky Irving On X: @buckyirving

Previous Bucky Irving Camp Diaries

Bucky Irving Camp Diary: I Hate Being Tackled