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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 19, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) runs the ball against the Georgia State Panthers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) runs the ball against the Georgia State Panthers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Heavily relied upon in 2016

Although there are three very capable running backs waiting in the wings behind Freeman, he will carry the load in 2016. No, he likely won’t get a Derrick Henry-type of workload, but he will get close to 300 carries and will be relied upon heavily to begin the season with a new starting quarterback under center.

Depending on who wins the quarterback battle, he could have two scenarios happen. If graduate transfer Dakota Prukop wins the race, Freeman’s workload will probably get back to normal around the second or third game of the year. If it’s the redshirt freshman Jonsen, it’ll likely take a bit longer for him to adjust, giving Freeman more carries through the first month.

For Freeman’s Heisman sake, he will want Jonsen to win the battle, but he will be relied upon either way.

When you know your running back can pick up nearly seven yards per carry, you’re going to utilize that as much as possible. When he’s added a receiving element to his game, it has to be something which the offense keeps in mind. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield will also help a new quarterback while inflating his numbers.

Royce Freeman is going to be the centerpiece of the Oregon Ducks’ offense in 2016, and he’s going to pick up over 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns before becoming the second player from the school to win the Heisman in three years.

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