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College Football: 15 best running backs in 2016

By Brad Weiss

Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 17, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

Royce Freeman has been the running game for the University of Oregon since the first time he laced up his cleats for the Ducks.

In 2014, Freeman was the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year after rushing for 1,365 yards and 18 touchdowns. He set Oregon’s freshman record for yards and touchdowns, establishing himself as the perfect complement to star quarterback Marcus Mariota. The Ducks lost in the National Championship game that season, but Freeman was just getting started.

Last season, Freeman set Oregon’s single-season rushing record, as his 1,836 yards passed LaMichael James for the top spot. Freeman scored another 17 touchdowns, giving him 35 for his career, and he was named First-Team All-Pac 12.

Freeman was also recognized on a national level, being named a Second-Team All-American. It was an incredible season for Freeman, who ran for 100 or more yards in nine straight games. In total, Freeman rushed for more than 100 yards in 11 of the team’s 13 games.

Through his two seasons as the starting running back for the Ducks, Freeman is already considered one of the best running backs in school history. He was able to weather the Ducks losing a Heisman Trophy finalist at quarterback in 2015, putting up numbers that actually beat the year before.

Oregon does not look like a national power in 2016, so it will be up to Freeman to shoulder the load for the Ducks. If all the cards fall the right way, Freeman could be in for a 2,000-yard season.

Next: 6. Donnel Pumphrey, San Diego State University

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