Oregon RB Royce Freeman returning in 2017, cites excitement of playing for new coach

Oregon running back Royce Freeman has decided to come back to Oregon for his senior season.

Freeman announced his decision to return to school via Oregon’s website and said the idea of playing for new Oregon coach Willie Taggart played a role in his decision. Taggart was hired earlier in December from South Florida after Oregon fired former coach Mark Helfrich.

“After consulting with my family and giving this considerable thought, I feel this is the best decision for me in regards to my future on and off the field,” Freeman said. “My education was one of the most important reasons I chose to come to Oregon and that priority hasn’t changed.

“I wish to thank [former coach Mark Helfrich] and the entire coaching staff for the roles they have played in my success thus far. I am extremely grateful to [running backs coach Gary Campbell] for everything he has taught me and the influence he has had in my life over the last three years.

“However, the prospect of playing for [new Oregon coach Willie Taggart] my final year here was certainly a factor in my return. His enthusiasm and vision for this program are contagious. I am excited to be coached by him and to enhance my development.

2016 was the first time in three seasons at Oregon that Freeman didn’t top the 1,000-yard mark. Freeman injured his knee after getting five carries vs. Nebraska and sat out the Ducks’ next game vs. Colorado. He finished the season with 168 carries for 945 yards and nine touchdowns and had 50 or fewer yards in five games before ending the season with three-straight 100-yard games.

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He had 283 carries for 1,836 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2015 and had 1,356 yards and 18 scores as a freshman in 2014 as Oregon lost to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff title game.

If Freeman stays healthy in 2017, he’s got a great chance to match his numbers from his first two years. USF was fifth in the country in rushing offense in 2016 and the Bulls averaged 6.7 yards a carry. He’ll also likely break the Oregon career record for rushing yards that’s currently held by LaMichael James at 5,082 yards.

Had he gone pro after this season, Freeman would have added to an already-stacked 2016 draft class at running back that includes LSU’s Leonard Fournette, Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey and likely Florida State’s Dalvin Cook.

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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

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