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Oregon Football: Why Willie Taggart will turn Ducks around in year one

By Collin Wieder

Nov 26, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; South Florida Bulls head coach Willie Taggart talks with linebacker Nigel Harris (57) against the UCF Knights during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; South Florida Bulls head coach Willie Taggart talks with linebacker Nigel Harris (57) against the UCF Knights during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 8, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) carries the football during the second quarter in a game against the University of Washington at Autzen Stadium. The Huskies won 70-21. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) carries the football during the second quarter in a game against the University of Washington at Autzen Stadium. The Huskies won 70-21. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /

Freeman and company

As much as Royce Freeman is the best returning piece for the Ducks, he isn’t the team’s starting quarterback. Which is why he’s comes along as lesser importance to the Ducks’ resurgence in the upcoming season. Regardless, the Ducks’ all-time, second-leading rusher will be a valuable player especially since he’ll be fully healthy again. Hampered by a knee injury, he limped to 945 yards and nine touchdowns.

A healthy Freeman along with Tony Brooks-James will provide a wonderful thunder and lightning effect. Furthermore, Taggart will have a receiving corp led by national a championship-experienced wide out. Senior Charles Nelson is a three-year contributor on offense and defense. Along with three-year starter Darren Carrington and junior Jalen Brown the Ducks will be productive.

On the offensive line, the Ducks are loaded returning four sophomores and two seniors. Senior left tackle and 2015 starter Tyrell Crosby returns after missing the 2016 season.

Left guard Shane Lemieux, left tackle Brady Aiello, center Jake Hanson and right tackle Calvin Throckmorton all saw action in 2016 and will be back again. Senior right tackle Jake Pisarcik was a two-year contributor who’ll solidify the line as well.

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