Heisman Watch 2017: Week 3

5 of 6

EUGENE, OR – SEPTEMBER 02: Running back Royce Freeman #21 of the Oregon Ducks scores a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds at Autzen Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

Royce Freeman, RB, Oregon

Through two games, I’m not entirely sure what to make of the Oregon Ducks. Their win over Nebraska looked as if it was going to be impressive after they put up 77 points on Southern Utah, but then they almost choked it away. Regardless, it’s clear that there is a ton of upside here in Eugene. And the heart of that upside and the talent of this Ducks team is running back Royce Freeman.

Freeman’s opener against Southern Utah was undoubtedly impressive as he took 23 carries for 150 yards and four touchdowns. However, putting up numbers equally as impressive against the Cornhuskers this past week was actually far more impressive. Freeman’s 29 carries went for 153 yards and two more touchdowns. That’s 300+ yards and six trips to the end zone in only two games.

As is the case with most of these guys, we’ll start to learn a lot more as we get into Pac-12 play for Oregon. However, Freeman is clearly a big-time player, but he does need to prove himself more against big-time competition. If he does so, he could very well be a dark horse in this 2017 Heisman Trophy race.

Home/College Football