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2017 NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up in Week 9

By Shawn Spencer

Oct 24, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) warms up before a game against Clemson Tigers at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) warms up before a game against Clemson Tigers at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 19, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) runs the ball against the Georgia State Panthers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) runs the ball against the Georgia State Panthers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /

Royce Freeman (RB – Oregon) vs. Arizona State

10 yards on 15 carries. That was the production the Ducks got out of Royce Freeman in last week’s loss to California in double overtime. Despite leading the team in carries, Freeman was out-gained by three teammates on the ground. To make matters worse, Freeman goes from facing Cal (ranked 126th against the run) last week to Arizona State (seventh against the run) this week.

Freeman is a projected day-two pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, however his stock has been on the decline for much of the season. After being held to under 100 yards twice all of last season, he’s already fallen short of 100 yards four times in six games this year. As a receiver, he’s gone from adequate to non-existent.

Vision and decision-making, two skills which were graded as poor against the Golden Bears, must significantly improve if Oregon is going to put an end to their five-game skid.

The Ducks are currently 2-5 with five games remaining. Only one of the five opponents left on the schedule (Oregon State) has a losing record. If Oregon is going to win the required six games in order to earn a bowl invitation, they have to pull off a few upsets. If that’s going to happen against the Sun Devils, Royce Freeman must come up big.

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