The 41-24 box score from the Oregon vs Colorado contest would indicate, at least on the surface, that the Ducks are back to running opponents out of the building. However, questions regarding the quarterback position reached an all time high as former walk-on signal-caller Taylor Allie and wide receiver Bralon Addison took snaps as Oregon’s No. 1 QB this past weekend.
Pseudo-incumbent Jeff Lockie is not the answer. While he will fill a roster spot next season, the Oregon brass must find another option as Lockie continues to fill the spot of “serviceable backup.”
Enter unknown local product Justin Herbert (NR/Eugene, Ore.).
A 6’5, 220 lb. dual threat, Herbert was on his way to an eventual Oregon Class 6A Player of the Year award before he broke his femur early in his junior season. Now healthy in 2015, a rejuvenated Herbert has perennial power Sheldon High on another championship run despite an early season loss to Jesuit in which the senior signal caller tossed for a mere 471 yards and 5 touchdowns.
The whole of the state took notice, including Oregon offensive coordinator Scott Frost.
“(Coach Frost) told me they might still be looking for another quarterback,” said Herbert.
“They’ve been keeping tabs on me and watching my games to see how I’m progressing. Coach Frost told me he wants to talk to coach Helfrich and he would get back to me about an offer. It sounded like I could know something in the next few days.”
And just what would an offer mean for the local prep standout?
“(Coach Frost) asked if they offered what sort of impact that would have. I told him that would be a big offer for me. So he told me to talk to my parents about it and he will get back to me in a few days.
“It would be really cool to get that offer. It would let me know all of my hard work has paid off. To have that chance to play in front of my family and friends would be unreal.”
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Top photo by Gary Breedlove
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Mark Flores, a Salem, OR resident, is a Firefighter/Paramedic and an avid Oregon Ducks fan. Prior to the fire service, Flores, a graduate of nearby Corban University, spent over seven years in professional journalism including a stint at the Statesman Journal in Salem and held the position of Sports Editor for the Hilltop News (Corban). A career transition however never dampened his love of writing and FishDuck is now his source to share his love of Mighty Oregon. Flores brings detailed knowledge of Oregon recruiting to the FishDuck team and welcomes your feedback.