It was thrilling. It was encouraging. It was a gift.

The decision by Justin Herbert to return for his senior season at the University of Oregon was a lot of things to a lot of people. But there is one thing that it can not become. A waste. Herbert, 16-9 as a starter, still has a lot to prove. Hes still developing as a leader and quarterback. He won't turn 21 until March. And hell, get to play next season with his younger brother, Patrick, who will be a freshman tight end in Eugene next season.

So maybe the decision to return for the 2019 wasn't a shock to many. But if you were paying attention this season, you're free to wonder whether UO will seize Herbert's return and maximize it. Because he's good enough to lead the Ducks through a soft Pac-12 Conference schedule and win a championship next season if hes well supported. But he's not good enough to overcome questionable play calling and a scheme that doesn't take advantage of his gifts.

We've already seen that act. Figuring out how to avoid a repeat of that is on the Ducks coaching staff. Herbert ranked fourth in passing yards in the Pac-12 this season. He ranked fourth in yards per attempt (8.0). His 28 touchdowns were good enough for third place. He completed 59.6 percent of his passes, good for 10th among the 12 starters in the conference. Hes too skilled for a repeat of that. The Ducks became an easy scout this season.

They didn't run the ball with consistency. Outside of Dillon Mitchell they didnt, either, have receivers who were a threat. It put a lot of pressure on Herbert to find Mitchell on just about every important snap. Amid those challenges and a pile of injuries on the offensive line, Oregons play caller struggled schematically to put Herbert in position to succeed. Herbert had two 300-yard passing games this season. Same number as Oregon States Jake Luton, who played significantly in only six games. Stanford's K.J. Costello had seven 300-yard passing games. Gardner Minshew (WSU) had 11. The Ducks quarterback failed to complete 60 percent of his passes in five of the final seven games of the season. Not because of drops or great defense. But because Oregon became predictable on offense and opposing defenses didnt have to worry about giving up home-run throws to anyone other than Mitchell. They blitzed Herbert in obvious passing situations. They harassed Mitchell all over the field, knocking him out of the Arizona game with a concussion. And they played a lot of single coverage on the other Ducks receivers on passing plays and made life difficult on the Ducks quarterback.

Oregon can't waste Herbert next season. He's too valuable a talent. Its why I wonder if coach Mario Cristobal will add an offensive consultant to his staff this summer to work closely with coordinator Marcus Arroyo (if hes still calling the plays in 2019). Also, its why I watched carefully to see who the Ducks would add to the roster at the early signing period. Because if Herbert has more talent around him, and Oregon does a better job of becoming a tougher scout, next season lines up to be special. There are still a pile of questions that need to be addressed.

But be clear, Cristobal's biggest recruiting get this month wasn't landing defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux. It was getting Herbert to come back after enduring a junior season that wasn't what it could have been. Oregon plays Michigan State on New Years Eve. The Redbox Bowl doesn't have big implications. At least not until Herbert signed back on for another season. Because now I'll be interested to see what, if anything, schematically Oregon has figured out in the last month.

Theyre healthier now than they were at just about any point of the season, too. Its been said the Spartans gifted defense was wasted this season.

Decide for yourself the bigger sin -- squandering a special defense?

Or the potential No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft?

But while you're at it, know that Oregon can't find itself having this discussion a year from now. Not with Herbert coming back. Not with a top recruiting class walking in the door. Not with a lot of talent returning on UO's offensive line and the Ducks' defense poised to be a strength in what is a weak Pac-12 Conference. Finish 8-4 again next season and were all going to be talking about disappointment. Be sure, the conversation shifted with the quarterbacks announcement. Herberts return is a gift. Dont waste it, Oregon.

Source - Oregonlive.comBY - John Canzano | The Oregonian/OregonLive