From Hula Bowl to Shrine Bowl, Tyrone Tracy's eyes on NFL prize
Tyrone Tracy‘s eyes are squarely fixed on the prize: Playing in the NFL.
The former Purdue running back got a chance to show his wares last weekend in Orlando at the Hula Bowl, carrying nine times for 40 yards and a TD while catching a pass for 12 yards.
“I had a good time down there,” he said. “It was a good experience.”
The 6-1, 210-pound Tracy is coming off a productive final season in West Lafayette in 2023, when he moved from receiver to running back and finished second on the team with 716 yards rushing with a team-high eight rushing TDs.
“It was huge,” said Tracy about moving to running back. “It really showed that I can play running back at a high level. I showed a lot of scouts and teams that I can pass block, I can run, I have good vision while also having a background as a receiver. It allows teams to do different things with me on the football field.”
That versatility could make Tracy valuable at the next level.
Coming out of Decatur Central High in Indianapolis, Tracy signed with Iowa and played receiver for the Hawkeyes from 2018-21. He transferred to Purdue in 2022 and stayed at wideout before making the move to running back, the position he excelled at in high school.
In 2022 as a wideout, Tracy didn’t have his hoped for impact. He rushed 17 times for 138 yards (8.1 ypc) with no touchdowns, adding 28 receptions for 198 yards (7.1 ypc).
Last season as a running back was much different. Tracy had the aforementioned 716 yards rushing (6.3 ypc) with 19 receptions for 132 yards. Tracy also ranked second in the Big Ten in kickoff returns (25.5 ypr), running one back 98 yards for a TD vs. Fresno State.
“I need to improve my pass blocking,” said Tracy. “You are going against bigger players and the technique is different at running back than it was at receiver.”
Tracy has been training at X3 Performance and Physical Therapy in Fort Myers, Fla., since December 28, honing his body and his mind. Payne Durham, Zander Horvath and Reese Taylor are former Boilermakers who also worked out there.
Next up for Tracy: A trip to the East-West Shrine Bowl, which will be played at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on February 1.
“My play in the Hula Bowl helped me get the invite to Shrine game,” said Tracy, who is hoping for an invite to the NFL Combine February 29-March 3 in Indianapolis. He will be back at Purdue for Pro Day. The 2024 NFL Draft will be held April 25-27 in Detroit.
“God-willing, the goal is to get drafted,” said Tracy. “I think I have a shot at it. I want scouts and GMs to not have any doubt that they should draft me.”
