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5 reasons Royce Freeman can win the 2016 Heisman Trophy

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 27, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) runs the ball against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) runs the ball against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 26, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) runs the ball as Utah Utes linebacker Jared Norris (41) and Utah Utes defensive back Tevin Carter (9) defend at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) runs the ball as Utah Utes linebacker Jared Norris (41) and Utah Utes defensive back Tevin Carter (9) defend at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /

4. One of the strongest RBs in the nation

Just look at Freeman’s frame. He stands about 5-foot-11 and weighs about 230 pounds — that’s a brick wall of a running back. Not many talented backs weigh 230 pounds, but he uses every bit of that frame to run over opponents, when need be.

When you watch his film, you see a workhorse running back who isn’t afraid of contact. Usually guys who welcome hits are the ones who pick up solid yardage on a consistent basis.

Yes, he has shifty, long runs on occasion, but between the hashes, he’s one of the most physical backs in the country. He isn’t going to wow you with blinding speed, but he will with a nice truck stick and solid 20-yard pickups time after time.

Just how strong is Freeman? Well, his longest run as a freshman was just 38 yards and yet he still gained over 1,300 on the season. As a sophomore, it was just 64 yards and he reached the 1,800-yard plateau. What does this prove? He can get the job done in 10-15 yard increments while shifty backs have to wait for a huge hole to explode for big gains.

Freeman has the perfect combination of strength, patience, speed and shiftiness that a back his size doesn’t usually possess. This guy has the physical tools to be the best running back in the country and, in turn, win the Heisman.

Next: 3. Playing for a contender

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