Royce Freeman intends to return to Oregon for senior season

Royce Freeman intends to return to Oregon for senior season Published: Dec 21, 2016 at 04:15 AM Chase Goodbread Oregon running back Royce Freeman intends to Jack Hoiberg Jersey return to college for his senior season rather than applying for entry into the 2017 as an undercla sman. Freeman expre sed excitement to play for new UO coach Willie Taggart in a on Oregon's website. "After consulting with my family and giving this considerable thought, I feel this is the best decision for me in regards to George Kittle Jersey my future on and off the field," Freeman stated. "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 succe s thus far. ... However, the prospect of playing for coach 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." Just as Oregon's 4 Cordarrelle Patterson Jersey -8 season was a disappointment, Freeman's was le s of a succe s than expected, as well. After rushing for 1,836 yards and 17 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2015, his production was nearly cut in half this year (945 yards, nine TDs). Contributing to that decline was a leg injury he suffered against Nebraska, and a bruised sternum from the Washington game, along with a le s effective offensive Bashaud Breeland Jersey line. The leg injury sidelined him for a Week 4 game against Colorado. Neverthele s, Washington coach Jimmy Lake predicted that Freeman would be the . The 2017 draft cla s is at the running back position. Undercla smen have until a Jan. 16 deadline to apply for early draft eligibility. Freeman (6-feet, 230 pounds) is a powerful rusher with impre sive receiving skills. In his best game of the season, the week before injuring his leg against Nebraska, Freeman exploded for 207 yards on 21 carries against Virginia. An NFC scout told NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks that Freeman to RB . *Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter * . This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be mi sing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an i Washington Huskies Jersey Sale sue.