40 Facts About Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Early Life and High School Achievements

Tyrone Tracy Jr.'s journey to football stardom began in Indianapolis, Indiana. His high school years were marked by impressive performances and numerous accolades.

1. Birthdate and Hometown: Tyrone Tracy Jr. was born on November 23, 1999, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
2. High School: Tracy attended Decatur Central High School, where he earned numerous accolades for his football skills.
3. High School Achievements: In his senior season, Tracy rushed for 1,412 yards and 13 touchdowns while also catching 54 passes for 1,132 yards and 17 touchdowns.
4. High School Honors: Tracy was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in Indiana and earned Offensive Player of the Year honors as a sophomore and senior.
5. High School Records: He holds school records for receiving yards in a season (1,132) and career (2,643), as well as total offensive touchdowns (70), total touchdowns (72), total points (444), and yards per rushing attempt in a season (11.5) and career (8.7).

College Career at Iowa

Tracy's college career began at the University of Iowa, where he showcased his versatility and talent on the field.

6. College Commitment: Coming out of high school, Tracy was a three-star recruit who committed to play college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes.
7. College Career at Iowa: Tracy redshirted in 2018 and played in four games as a reserve wide receiver, catching one pass for 22 yards.
8. 2019 Season at Iowa: In the 2019 season, Tracy played in all 13 games with eight starts at wide receiver, recording 36 receptions for 589 yards and three touchdowns, along with one rushing touchdown.
9. 2020 Season at Iowa: During the COVID-shortened 2020 season, Tracy played in all eight games with four starts, catching 14 receptions for 154 yards and one touchdown, while also rushing for two yards.
10. 2021 Season at Iowa: In the 2021 season, Tracy played in 13 games as a reserve wide receiver, catching 15 receptions for 106 yards and one touchdown, while also rushing for seven yards and one touchdown.

Transfer to Purdue and Continued Success

After his time at Iowa, Tracy transferred to Purdue, where he continued to excel and adapt to new roles.

11. Transfer to Purdue: After the conclusion of the 2021 season, Tracy decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal and transferred to play for the Purdue Boilermakers.
12. College Career at Purdue: Tracy played in all 14 games with five starts at wide receiver for Purdue in the 2022 season, recording 28 receptions for 198 yards and 17 rushing attempts for 138 yards.
13. 2023 Season at Purdue: In his breakout sixth-year senior campaign, Tracy played in 11 games with nine starts at running back, rushing for 716 yards and eight touchdowns, while also catching 19 passes for 132 yards and returning kickoffs for 408 yards.
14. Academic Achievements: Tracy was named Academic All-Big Ten in 2023, reflecting his academic excellence alongside his athletic achievements.
15. Awards and Honors: He was a Second Team All-Big Ten selection by the Associated Press (AP) and Third Team All-Big Ten return specialist by the coaches in 2023.

Physical Attributes and Athletic Performance

Tracy's physical attributes and athletic performance have been key factors in his success on the field.

16. Special Teams Prowess: Tracy was a starting kick returner in 2023, returning one kickoff for a 98-yard touchdown, which was one of the highlights of his season.
17. Physical Attributes: Tracy stands at 5'11" (180 cm) tall and weighs 209 pounds (95 kg), with a hand size of 9⅛ inches (23 cm) and an arm length of 31¾ inches (80 cm).
18. Athletic Performance: He recorded a 40-yard dash time of 4.48 seconds, a vertical jump of 40 inches (102 cm), and a broad jump of 10'4" (3.15 meters).
19. Combine Performance: Tracy’s performance at the NFL Combine included a 3-cone drill time of 6.81 seconds and a 20-yard shuttle time of 4.06 seconds, which were impressive for a running back.

NFL Draft and Professional Prospects

Tracy's hard work and dedication paid off when he was selected in the NFL Draft, marking the beginning of his professional career.

20. NFL Draft Preparation: Tracy has been working out as a running back, wide receiver, and return specialist for NFL teams, showcasing his versatility similar to Deebo Samuel.
21. NFL Draft Selection: The New York Giants selected Tyrone Tracy Jr. with the 166th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, making him the fourth Boilermaker running back to be drafted since 1996.
22. Career Statistics: In his college career, Tracy has a total of 26 starts, with 113 rushing attempts for 716 yards and eight touchdowns, 19 receptions for 132 yards, and 16 kickoff returns for 408 yards.
23. Running Style: Tracy is known for his bendy, rhythmic running style, which allows him to traverse interior run lanes effectively. He creates additional yardage with a blend of elusiveness, power, and a willful desire to maximize each run.
24. Versatility: Tracy’s background as a wide receiver has given him the versatility to play both positions, making him an attractive prospect for teams looking for a multi-faceted player.
25. Decision-Making: While Tracy has shown impressive athleticism, his decision-making and experience as a running back are areas where he needs improvement. He sometimes bounces plays outside at the first sign of trouble, which can be volatile.
26. Draft Grade: NFL scouts have graded Tracy as a backup/draftable player, with a draft grade of 5.9 and an overall rank of 186 among running backs.
27. Comparison to Miles Sanders: Tracy’s athletic profile is often compared to that of Miles Sanders, another versatile running back with similar skills and potential.

Personal Life and Influences

Beyond the field, Tracy's personal life and influences have shaped his journey and career.

28. Personal Life: Tracy’s parents are Laverna and Tyrone Tracy Sr. He has spoken about how his faith and personal growth have influenced his career and decision-making process.
29. Career Path: Tracy’s journey from high school standout to college transfer and eventually to the NFL is a testament to his perseverance and adaptability in the face of challenges.
30. Coaching Influence: The coaching change at Purdue, particularly under Ryan Walters and Lamar Conard, played a significant role in Tracy’s transition to running back and his subsequent success.
31. Athletic Background: In addition to football, Tracy has also earned letters in basketball and track as a sprinter and long jumper during his high school days.
32. High School Records at Decatur Central: Tracy holds multiple records at Decatur Central High School, including receiving yards in a season and career, as well as total offensive touchdowns and points scored.
33. College Records at Iowa: Although he did not set any records at Iowa, Tracy’s performances were consistently impressive, contributing to the Hawkeyes’ success during his time there.
34. Transfer Decision: Tracy’s decision to transfer from Iowa to Purdue was driven by his desire for new challenges and opportunities to develop as a player.
35. Purdue’s Impact: The move to Purdue allowed Tracy to fully transition into the running back role, which brought out the best in him, both physically and mentally.
36. Special Teams Role: Tracy’s experience as a return specialist has been invaluable, showcasing his ability to make significant contributions on special teams.
37. NFL Comparison: While Tracy is often compared to Deebo Samuel for his versatility, he is also seen as a unique player with his own set of skills and strengths.
38. Draft Process: The 2024 NFL Draft process has been significant for Tracy, with multiple teams evaluating him for his potential as a running back and return specialist.
39. Giants’ Selection: The New York Giants selecting Tracy with the 166th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft marked a significant moment in his career, as he becomes the fourth Boilermaker running back to be drafted since 1996.
40. Future Prospects: With his impressive collegiate career and NFL draft selection, Tyrone Tracy Jr. is poised to make a significant impact in the NFL, leveraging his athleticism, versatility, and determination to succeed at the highest level.

Tyrone Tracy Jr.'s Bright Future

Tyrone Tracy Jr. has shown incredible versatility and determination throughout his football journey. From his high school days at Decatur Central to his impressive college career at Iowa and Purdue, Tracy has consistently proven his athletic prowess. His transition from wide receiver to running back, coupled with his special teams contributions, highlights his adaptability. Selected by the New York Giants in the 2024 NFL Draft, Tracy's future in the NFL looks promising. With his unique skill set and relentless work ethic, he's poised to make a significant impact on the field. Fans and teams alike should keep an eye on this dynamic player as he continues to grow and excel in professional football. Tracy's story is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the ability to seize opportunities.