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Oregon Football: 5 reasons why Ducks will turn things around in 2017

By Jerran Anderson

Apr 29, 2017; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon ducks running back Tony Brooks-James (20) celebrates following a touchdown at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2017; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon ducks running back Tony Brooks-James (20) celebrates following a touchdown at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 21, 2017; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) walks on the field during spring practice at the Oregon Ducks outdoor practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2017; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) walks on the field during spring practice at the Oregon Ducks outdoor practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Royce Freeman returns

Running back Royce Freeman returning to the Oregon Ducks for his senior season gives them one of the best running backs in the country. Freeman didn’t have the greatest year in 2016 either, so his return gives the Ducks offense plenty to smile about.

Freeman ran for 945 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in 2016. It wasn’t close to his 1,838 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns in 2015, but that’s largely why he returned to Oregon. That and the opportunity to play for Willie Taggart was hard to pass up.

Taggart engineered an offense that scored 43.8 points per game (8th in the FBS) at South Florida. Pair that with the talent on the Oregon Ducks roster and fans can hopefully see why Freeman is so excited.

Related Story: Most important Pac-12 non-conference games for 2017

Freeman decided to pass up on the NFL Draft this past year despite being one of the best running backs in the class. With a strong 2017 campaign, Freeman’s stock will certainly rise as a coveted back at the next level.

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