Pac-12 Football: The MVP for every Pac-12 team for 2015

Oct 29, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) breaks tackles by Arizona State Sun Devils linebacker Antonio Longino (32) and ]a8d#2 during the first half at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Royce Freeman led the conference in rushing yards per game, just by a hair over Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey, 142.17 to 142.08 yards per game. But he wasn’t just among the conference ranks, he ranked fourth in the nation in rushing yards as well.

Although Vernon Adams was injured throughout the season, you could make the argument that he was the MVP for Oregon, particularly down the home stretch of the season, when throwing only three touchdowns a game would have disappointed considering his success. But I’ll make the argument that Freeman opened things up for him, and allowed him to command the offense.

Freeman had 2,031 yards this season, with 325 of those being receiving yards. He also 16 touchdowns on the season, two of which were receptions. He was a workhorse this season, held under 100 rushing yards only twice this season. The first against Michigan State, with 92 yards, and the second in their throttling vs. Utah, finishing with 77 yards.

Only a sophomore, we could be watching the next D’Anthony Thomas or LaMichael James. Next season, Oregon will regain Thomas Tyner, which would lower the touches of Freeman, but would ultimately increase his production having a tandem set.

Next: Oregon State