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Oregon Football: Ducks’ 2017 season preview and predictions

By Connor Muldowney

EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 12: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks passes the ball during the second quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Autzen Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 12: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks passes the ball during the second quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Autzen Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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EUGENE, OR – NOVEMBER 12: Running back Royce Freeman #21 of the Oregon Ducks runs with the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Autzen Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OR – NOVEMBER 12: Running back Royce Freeman #21 of the Oregon Ducks runs with the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Autzen Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

Offense

We all know Oregon has had talented quarterbacks over the years, but one thing the Ducks have been known for is the run game. Luckily, they return Royce Freeman for a senior year.

The fourth-year starter has been a solid contributor since he was just a young, inexperienced freshman and looks to be the main source of offense in 2017. He had 945 yards and nine touchdowns during a season in which he missed some time last year. He will be backed up by the talented Tony Brooks-James who finished with 771 yards and nine touchdowns on 7.6 yards per carry.

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Wide receiver Darren Carrington will no longer be with the program as he was charged with a DUII and kicked off the team. He has since transferred to fellow Pac-12 program, Utah.

That leaves Charles Nelson as the leading receiver with 52 catches for 554 yards and five scores last year. He will lead a young group of guys such as Dillon Mitchell, Alex Ofodile, Malik Lovette and Darrian McNeal.

Sophomore Jacob Breeland is expected to start at tight end. He had six catches for 123 yards as a freshman. He will be backed up by freshman Cam McCormick.

Lastly, the offensive line returns all five starters and could be a major bright spot for the Ducks.

Justin Herbert, the breakout star?

Coming to Oregon via the 2016 class, Justin Herbert was just a three-star quarterback who was overlooked by a number of programs. However, the Ducks took a chance on him and he stepped up to deliver in his first year on campus.

Dakota Prukop, a JUCO transfer, was looked at to be the answer at quarterback, but he didn’t impress the coaching staff enough and eventually lost his job after leading the Ducks to a 2-3 start. Herbert came in and played much better, but the Ducks’ record didn’t reflect that, mostly due to a porous defense.

Herbert passed for 1,936 yards and 19 touchdowns with only four picks. He also completed 64 percent of his throws and had 161 rushing yards and two more scores. Can he continue his growth and be one of college football’s top breakout stars in 2017?

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