Oregon Football: 5 players to watch in 2017 spring game

Nov 19, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert (10) gets a pass off before being hit by Utah Utes defensive tackle Pasoni Tasini (59) during the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Oregon won 30-28. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 21, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) carries the ball against California Golden Bears wide receiver Melquise Stovall (1) during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

In 2014 and 2015, Royce Freeman was among the top running backs in the nation. Over his first two years as a Duck, he racked up 19 touchdowns per season. As a sophomore, Freeman piled up nearly 2200 yards from scrimmage. He entered 2016 as a major Heisman candidate, but a series of injuries sapped his effectiveness and his Heisman hopes.

As his productivity was slashed in half, Freeman’s absences proved to be a major factor in Oregon’s downturn.

Realizing that his junior year had diminished his draft stock, and expressing excitement about playing for Taggart, Freeman returned for his senior season in Eugene. It will be interesting to see how much he is utilized in the spring game as Taggart and his staff try to keep Freeman as healthy as possible for the games that count come fall.

Look to see if the star tailback displays the speed and vision or if he plays tentatively.

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