2018 NFL Draft: Ranking the Top 10 running backs
By Dana Becker
Remember two years ago when Royce Freeman was viewed in the same light as the upper-level running backs in college football? The Oregon back had just ran for 1,836 yards, scored 17 touchdowns and added another 348 yards in the passing game to finish with 2,184 yards and a second consecutive season of 19 touchdowns.
Flash-forward two seasons and Freeman was forced to show that he wasn’t washed up after a difficult junior campaign that saw him get hurt and run for under 1,000 yards.
Under Willie Taggart, Freeman responded to the critics, averaging six yards per carry and almost 12 yards per reception this past season, recording 1,639 yards from scrimmage and 16 touchdowns. He concluded his four-year Duck career with 5,621 yards rushing, 814 yards receiving on 79 receptions and 64 touchdowns.
Still, questions remain around the 231-pounder. Can he stay healthy? Does he have anything left in the tank after taking on heavy production in Oregon?