A look back at the quarterback position over the 15 Oregon football spring practices, which concluded with the Spring Game on April 2oth.

Perceived depth chart heading into spring

1. Justin Herbert SR.

2. Tyler Shough rFR.

3. Cale Millen FR.

4. Bradley Yaffe rFR.

There was no question who Oregon's top quarterback was entering spring. Herbert was clearly the guy and will act as the team's starter for a fourth year in 2019. The question was who would act as his top backup? The sense coming in was that Shough would fill that role, but given his lack of experience during 2018 (he failed to attempt a pass all season), we hadn't really seen enough to confidently say he'd beat out Millen for the spot.

The Spring Football Headliner

There's no doubt it was Shough. Herbert is Herbert, and we all know what his upside at the position can be, but, Shough was the real breakthrough player this spring. As stated above, we all knew Shough had talent (he was the nation's seventh-ranked prep in 2018 for a reason), but we hadn't seen him in action since last year's spring game when he went 5-for-8. Throughout spring Shough received frequent praise from Oregon's coaches and players alike. The consensus seemed to be that Shough had put a lot of it together. His ability not just to make the throws, but to run the offense with competently seemed to be his greatest stride. This led Mario Cristobal to describe Shough as "head and shoulders" above the rest of the backups a week before the spring game. He showed why in said spring game, running the second team offense at a high level. He completed 14-of-18 passes in the first half, including several tough completions on the run.

The Depth

We still don't know much about Millen. An injury slowed his involvement this spring and he did not take part in the spring game. So, what Oregon has at No. 3 on the QB depth chart remains somewhat of a mystery despite Cristobal's clear confidence in what the true frosh can do. The hope is that an offseason to get healthy and grow in the weight room and as a player will provide further confidence in Millen's capability to run the Oregon offense efficiently if needed this fall.

The Biggest Question

Just how good can Herbert be? There's no question that No. 10 has all the tools. It's why he's considered a top 10 draft pick in 2020. There's also no doubt that he can be a great collegiate quarterback. We've seen him show off that arm strength and lead the Ducks to consecutive bowl games. He's even beaten rival Washington before most expected. But, can Herbert take that next step and turn in a truly special senior season? To me, that remains the biggest factor in the 2019 team's success.

Post-spring the depth chart

1. Justin Herbert SR.

2. Tyler Shough rFR.

3. Cale Millen FR.

4. Bradley Yaffe rFR.

The only thing that has really changed is that Shough has gone from a 2A/2B scenario with Millen into a more clearcut role as the backup. We should be clear that Millen still feels like a candidate to win the starting job in 2020. That has never changed. It just seems should Herbert be replaced this season, that Shough would be the expected replacement.