---

The top returning Pac-12 running backs for 2017 are headlined by a Heisman contender looking to bounce back.

---

True, the Pac-12’s top two rushers from a season ago, Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey and Utah’s Joe Williams, have departed. But the league remains flush in gifted running backs entering 2017. There’ll be a nice mix of Ronald Jones’ jets and Ryan Nall’s brawn, and Royce Freeman is back to recapture his prolific form from two years ago. While Bryce Love won’t necessarily be the second coming of McCaffrey on the Farm, he has a lofty ceiling now that he’ll earn the touches of a feature back.

5. Ryan Nall, Oregon State

It’s tough to get noticed these days playing in Corvallis, but Nall is going to be an exception. Pegged as an H-back in 2014, he’ll never again play a position other than running back. Sans a lot of support around him, he’s had six 100-yard games in two seasons, capped by a pair to close out 2016. Built like a traditional blocking back at 6-2 and 241 pounds, he doesn’t make people miss. But his build-up speed and yards after contact are exceptional, the basis for his locomotive-like gallops through defenses.

4. Phillip Lindsay, Colorado

Lindsay is only 5-8 and 190 pounds, but about one-third of his body mass is in his heart. He fits a lot of the stereotypical phrases, from playing bigger than his size to leaving it all on the field. And his approach to the game makes everyone around him a little better. Lindsay was a central component of last year’s Pac-12 South title, rushing for 1,252 yards, catching 53 passes and scoring 17 times. If defenses don’t properly wrap up and gang tackle No. 23, he’s going to make them pay for it.

3. Ronald Jones II, USC

Jones provided an advanced screening of life after Justin Davis in the backfield, and there’s an awful lot to like. Jones stepped up when the starter was injured last fall, sprinting for 1,082 yards and 12 touchdowns on only 177 carries. Only twice in the final six games was he held below 100 yards. He’s the classic game-breaker, with the jets and the cutback moves to torment opposing defenses. With QB Sam Darnold demanding so much attention in 2017, USC backs like Jones will get plenty of chances to do damage on the ground.

2. Myles Gaskin, Washington

In his first two seasons in Seattle, Gaskin has ideally complemented the passing of Jake Browning. Gaskin is the blue-collar wing of the high-powered attack, muscling his way to 2,675 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns. He runs hard and with good pad level on every carry. And just when opposing defenders think they’ve got him lined up, he’ll bounce into the clear to pick up the first down. Gaskin lists at only 5-10 and 195 pounds, but he runs with the toughness of a much bigger back.

1. Royce Freeman, Oregon

Freeman is looking to reboot after a junior year marred by injuries and the general implosion of the Duck program. A new season brings a return to health and the fresh energy of a new staff. Freeman is averaging almost six yards a carry for his career, and his 1,836 yards as a sophomore established a single-season school record. He’s the total package in a next-level feature back, from his 6-0, 230-pound frame to his soft hands and big-play speed. Freeman is itching for his reintroduction to the nation in 2017.

MORE: Top Returning Running Backs In College Football For 2017