The 2016 group of Oregon running backs will continue to be an unyielding powerhouse with the return of the nation’s fourth-leading rusher, junior Royce Freeman, along with Taj Griffin, Tony Brooks-James and Kani Benoit.
Freeman will be eligible for the NFL draft following this season, and could be in the running for the Heisman trophy if he completes another stellar season. The 230 pound all-purpose back from Imperial, Calif., was recently named to the Sports Illustrated pre-season All-American second team. He rushed for 1,836 yards last year alone, and is only 1,881 yards away from LaMichal James’ UO career record. He also averaged the most rushing yards per-game by an Oregon running back since James, at 141.2. Freeman led the Pac-12 in rushing touchdowns in 2015 with 17, and reached a career high of 246 total yards in one game, with 2 touchdowns against Washington State.
Oregon’s offense will run through Freeman, though he has plenty of talented backups waiting to fill in for him. Sophomore Taj Griffin averaged 7.4 yards per-carry in 2015 and finished with 570 yards on just 77 rushing attempts. Oregon offensive coordinator Matt Lubick spent much of the spring brainstorming how to get Griffin more involved in the offense, and Griffin often lined up at receiver during scrimmages.
Redshirt sophomore Tony Brooks-James is a speedy dual-sport athlete who is also a sprinter for Oregon track and field. He averaged nine yards per carry in 2015, earning 288 total yards in 32 attempts.
210-pound redshirt junior Kani Benoit is also in the mix. He finished the 2015 season with 364 rushing yards on 52 attempts.
Also behind Freeman are three walk-ons: redshirt seniors Jarret LaCoste and Lane Roseberry, and freshman Langston Stuckey, who’s only on-field experience was in the 2016 spring game where he rushed for 10 yards on 3 attempts.
There is still room to sign another walk-on to the rotation, as Oregon did not sign anyone new for the upcoming season.
Though Freeman will likely be the star standout this year, Oregon has plenty of athletes capable of filling in if they are needed. For now, Duck fans can look out for another potential Heisman, along with many other accolades, with the return of Royce Freeman.
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