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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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Jan 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) is hoisted by teammates after scoring on a 4-yard touchdown run against the TCU Horned Frogs during the 2016 Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) is hoisted by teammates after scoring on a 4-yard touchdown run against the TCU Horned Frogs during the 2016 Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Playing for a contender

Losing guys like Vernon Adams and DeForest Buckner might hurt Oregon’s chances to win a Pac-12 title next season, but even with those two threats gone from either side of the ball, the Ducks will be strong. Yes, those were two of the top players on the roster, but Oregon returns plenty of talent and will once again be a title contender.

If you think Freeman is going to be dogging it at the end of the year because of fatigue due to an over-usage, you’re wrong. Guys like Taj Griffin, Kani Benoit and Tony Brooks-James will rest Freeman when he gets a little worn. Each is a capable back and all averaged at least 7.0 yards per carry last season.

The run game will be more than elite with those four guys and the passing game can only improve as long as the starter can stay healthy all season. Dakota Prukop is a Montana State transfer who many believe shows more promise than Jeff Lockie did a year ago behind Vernon Adams.

Prukop chose Oregon over Alabama as a graduate transfer and was one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the FCS. He looks to lead a promising offense.

As long as the defense can continue to improve, the Ducks will be a top-10 team before the season is over, and for a Heisman candidate, that’s one major pre-requisite. Don’t be shocked to see the Ducks take the Pac-12.

Next: 2. Oregon's offense is explosive

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