Royce Freeman has one more year left at Oregon, and everyone is hoping he can go out with a bang.
In addition to being named to the preseason watch list for the Doak Walker Award, Freeman was also added to watch lists for the Maxwell Award and the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award. Both are prestigious honors given to the best player in college football. Marcus Mariota won both awards when he won the Heisman Trophy back in 2014.
The last three winners of the Maxwell Award and the last four winners of the Walter Camp Award have also won the Heisman Trophy in the same season.
In 2015, Freeman set the Oregon single season record for rushing yards with 1,836 yards as a sophomore. The next year, however, Freeman struggled with injuries and failed to break the 1,000-yard mark. If he does so this season, he’ll become Oregon’s all-time rushing leader. LaMichael James holds the current Oregon record with 5,082 yards.
Before the season starts, 40 players are named to the Walter Camp watch list. 10 semifinalists will be announced in November, with the winner being unveiled on December 7.