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Pac-12 Football: Top 10 players heading into spring games

By Zach Bigalke

Mar 7, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during spring practice at Howard Jones Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during spring practice at Howard Jones Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 26, 2016; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers linebacker Titus Failauga (93) defends as Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) runs the ball in the first half at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers linebacker Titus Failauga (93) defends as Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) runs the ball in the first half at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /

Royce Freeman could have gone pro, and few would have faulted him for the decision after the disastrous year that Oregon had in 2016. After all, injuries hampered Freeman throughout last season and the shelf life for pro running backs makes each year in college a gamble. But Freeman opted to remain in Eugene for his senior season, hoping to restore the Ducks back to prominence in the Pac-12, and he’ll be the key cog in new coach Willie Taggart’s offense.

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With Christian McCaffrey, Joe Williams, and a slew of other talented backs moving on from college, Freeman is once again the top running back to watch in the Pac-12 this season.

Two years ago he was among the top five rushers in the country, and as long as he (and the Oregon offensive line) manage to stay healthy he should rebound from last year’s disappointment to reach those heights once again. If he returns to Heisman-contending form, UO could rebound quickly from last year’s plummet.

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