College Football: Top 10 running backs heading into spring

Nov 19, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies running back Myles Gaskin (9) rushes past the Arizona State Sun Devils defense for a 45-yard touchdown run during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Washington won 44-18. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 10, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) reacts against the Virginia Cavaliers during the third quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cole Elsasser-USA TODAY Sports /

The Oregon Ducks didn’t have the greatest of seasons in 2016. The Ducks went 4-8 last year, winning just two of their final 10 games of the season after starting 2-0. Head coach Mark Helfrich was fired at the end of the season and replaced by former South Florida head coach Willie Taggart.

Taggart’s hiring gave Freeman a reason to return for his senior season. He rushed for 945 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns last season. Freeman rushed for 100 over yards in the Ducks final three games of the season in 2016. He was the lone bright spot in an otherwise abysmal season overall for Oregon. He ran the ball 21 times for 207 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns in Week Two against Virginia.

Entering the NFL Draft wasn’t on Freeman’s plans for 2017. In 2015, he rushed for 1,848 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns. With a new coach and fresh playbook, he’ll look to improve upon his 2015 production as the featured back this spring.

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