Could Royce Freeman Run Oregon Football To The Rose Bowl?

There are few players with the experience of Running Back Royce Freeman who enters 2017 healthy and hungry.

Hungry to get the taste of an injury plagued 4-8 season out of his system and also to help get Oregon Football back closer to the Ultimate Goal, a National Championship. Freeman enters his Senior Season with the All-Time Oregon Rushing Record within reach. If he has a better than 1200 yard season, he may also eclipse 5000 yards for his career in an Oregon Uniform.

Royce Freeman has seen a lot at Oregon. From coaching changes to staff changes, he has rolled along with the punches and could be in line with his best rushing season of his career. He is one of two Oregon Ducks to bench press 600 pounds in the offseason and was named the Team Captain entering the season last week.

The Oregon Senior is also the Starter for the first game of the season against Southern Utah with Kani Benoit and Tony Brooks-James getting the nod at second string. If the game goes as the Ducks would like, all three could have big days for the Rushing Attack.  Freeman has also spent Fall Camp learning the ins and outs of the Offensive Line. Expect him to also be a key part in blocking schemes throughout the season, allowing teammates to get yards either on the ground or through the air.

Freeman has 4146 yards in his first three seasons with Oregon. After speaking with new Head Coach Willie Taggart he could have easily left the Ducks and been taken in the NFL Draft, but he decided to return to school. His leadership will be counted on this season and could get Oregon Football a long way.

Next: Freshman Highlight Season Opening Depth Chart

The Oregon Ducks begin 2017 on Saturday against Southern Utah. Autzen Zoo will have Live Coverage starting at 4pm. Kickoff is 5:15pm PT on Pac-12 Network.