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

By Zach Bigalke

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) /
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(Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
(Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

1. Freeman’s NFL Draft potential offers motivation to put up big numbers

Royce Freeman returned to Oregon for his final season of eligibility in part because he didn’t want to leave Eugene on such a low note. The plummet to 4-8 was rough for Freeman to swallow. In a recent interview with The Oregonian, he said, “We sent the seniors out on a bad note and we don’t want to be that class going out that way.”

More: Oregon Football: Top 5 breakout candidates for 2017

But pride for his school was only one factor. Though he was eligible to declare for the 2017 NFL Draft, Freeman tanked his draft stock with his injury-plagued 2016 campaign. Some team would surely have taken a flyer on the high-round talent with a late-round pick. As such, Freeman had millions of reasons to return to Eugene for a second chance at bolstering his pro prospects.

After headlining awards watch lists in 2016, Freeman was originally kept off the preseason Doak Walker Award watch list before belatedly being added to the list of top running backs in the nation. Somehow, Freeman has crept under the radar and become an overlooked talent. He needs to post big numbers and restore his place near the top of the national charts to improve his draft status heading into spring 2018.

Next: College Fotball: Top 50 breakout candidates for 2017

And as we all know, big numbers translate to big-time Heisman hopes. As long as Freeman stays healthy and grows into a more complete back with the Ducks, he will take his position as one of the best running backs in the FBS. With pride and a shot at the pros on the line, Royce Freeman will put up numbers that force Heisman voters to look westward for their next winner.

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