Oregon Football: 5 reasons why Royce Freeman will win 2017 Heisman

5. Freeman is healthier after nagging injuries hindered 2016 season

Against Nebraska, Royce Freeman injured his right knee early in the Nebraska game on September 17. It was a scary loss for the Ducks, who ultimately fell 35-32 despite rushing for 336 yards in Freeman’s absence. He was also out for the 41-38 loss at home to Colorado on September 24. But he only missed those two games, returning at the beginning of October to put up 138 yards and three rushing touchdowns against Washington State.

It wasn’t like Freeman was necessarily bad in 2016. Including his performance in the Cougars defeat, Freeman posted five 100-yard efforts and scored 10 total touchdowns. But he seemed tentative at times on his knee, and was not quite as explosive as he performed during his sophomore season. He also suffered a chest injury in October that further hampered his ability to perform at a high level.

The Oregon star led the team in rushing in 2016, but he failed to break the 1,000-yard mark for the first time as a Duck. After a full offseason to rest and recondition his knee, Freeman should return to the level of play that allowed him to emerge as one of the best running backs in the Pac-12 as an underclassman.

With Mario Cristobal serving as the new co-offensive coordinator in charge of the rushing attack, Freeman looked strong in the retooled ground game through spring practices. A healthy 2017 campaign in a refocused Oregon running attack will propel Freeman back among the nation’s top running backs.