Over the weekend Cyrus Habibi-Likio earned a new nickname from Oregon radio broadcaster Mike Jorgenson. The former Oregon quarterback has been begun referring to the redshirt freshman running back as Cyrus TD-Likio.

It's an apt choice for a player who has seemingly spent more of his time on the field in the end zone celebrating his touchdowns than doing anything else. Habibi-Likio scored twice on two carries in Saturday's 35-22 win over San Jose State. Both carries came from within the three-yard line, as Habibi-Likio buoyed his season touchdown mark to four. Of his five collegiate carries, four have gone for six.

“I like it," Habibi-Likio said when told of the nickname. "Or maybe Ha-TD-Likio? I like that. That’s pretty cool."

The 205-pounder's success around the goal line has not been by accident. Oregon running backs coach Jim Mastro and offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo recognized his propensity for succeeding in short yardage and goal line scenarios during fall camp. Since then, the offensive coaches have designated him the goal line back. Most days at practice, the Ducks run through goal line or short yardage situations with Habibi-Likio acting as the running back.

“He earned that spot," Arroyo said following Tuesday's practice. "We saw some things he did in camp during short yardage situations. He displayed really good vision in a muddy area in those situations where it gets really tight.

“It’s proven that what you see in practice has shown up in games. He’s done a really nice job."

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When Oregon drives enter the red zone, Habibi-Likio places himself next to Mastro and interior line coach Alex Mirabal, and awaits the word. Once the team reaches the five-yard line, he knows it's his time.

"Usually, I’m just standing waiting to hear my name," he said. "Anyway to contribute to the team. I found my part, so I’m just trying to excel at that."

Not only does Habibi-Liko possess good vision, but at 6-foot-1 205 pounds, he's also the team's biggest back. Only fellow redshirt frosh CJ Verdell is close, and he's four inches shorter and about five pounds lighter.

"I’m the biggest running back," he explained. "I feel like I have a nose for the end zone. I just want to get in so bad."

There's no hard feelings among his peers about Habibi-Likio's role. Despite vulturing scores from his teammates on a weekly basis, there's been nothing but support — and a little friendly prodding.

"Every time I run out there, Tony smiles and laughs and we give each other a high five," Habibi-Likio said. "Tony always gives me crap and stuff like that. It’s funny. We’re all so close."

“He's a pretty good ratio," Brooks-James said. "But you’re at the one, all you have to do is step in. I’m proud of him for getting in there and getting the job done and finishing the drive, and becoming a guy that we can go to and count on."

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True freshman running back Travis Dye is all for it, as long as Habibi-Likio is crossing the goal line and moving the numbers on the scoreboard.

"If he can’t get in from the one-yard line, that’s when we should be worried," he said. "But, he’s getting in there, and that’s his job. He earned that."

The goal for Habibi-Likio is to reach pay dirt at least once a game the rest of the way. For the season, he hopes to reach double-digits. He also wants to show that he's more than just a goal line back.

“I’d love to go out there and run some routes, and be a little more versatile," he explained. "But, it’s my first year here too, playing special teams too. I found my role. It’s always been my dream to be an Oregon running back. It’s pretty dope."

This Saturday's game provides a little extra incentive for Habibi-Likio to add to his season total. Growing up about 15 minutes fro Palo Alto in Mountain View (Cali.), he's grown up around the school, but has always sided with the Ducks.

"I’ve always been an Oregon fan — watching all those games growing up," he said. "It’s personal. I really dislike Stanford. It is what it is. I love that their a hard-nosed smash mouth team. I’m excited to prove that we’re that kind of team too."