Sports Illustrated: Royce Freeman Named To Preseason Second Team

Sports Illustrated is out with thieir annual Preseason All America Team and the Oregon Ducks have one player on the list.

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It is not much of a surprise that the Pac-12 has always had the notion of being the ‘Little Guy’ when it comes to College Football. That mantra has gotten better over the last ten years or so, thanks in part to Oregon’s Dominance and National Championship appearances. Entering the season in 2016 the mantra returns, but should change as the season rolls along.

Running Back Royce Freeman is named to the Second Team list at Running Back on the Sports Illustrated Preseason All America Team, behind First Teamers Leonard Fournette  of LSU and Dalvin Cook from Florida State. Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey did not make the First Team list at Running Back, but did as All Purpose Player garnering votes for three positions on the First Team list, which is impressive.

Juju Smith-Schuster made the First Team at Wide Receiver from USC, as did Washington Defensive Specialist Budda Baker and Utah Kicker Andy Phillips. Running Back Royce Freeman was the only Oregon player to make the list this season and it is understandable why.

Freeman has already proven himself at his position. None of the other guys, including quite a few newcombers have – yet. There will be plenty of opportunities ahead and with the Freeman and McCaffrey conversation heating up the debate will be decided in November when Stanford visits Oregon.

Next: Oregon Football Adds Texas Tech To Future Schedule

Football is right around the corner now. Fall Camp for Oregon starts on Monday, August 8th.