Page 23 - Sports Illustrated KIDS Magazine (January - February 2020)

BEST IN CLASS
off the roof. Justin and Pat laughed
as their dad performed his chores.
They texted their older brother,
Mitchell, who went outside to the
driveway and yelled up to his dad,
pointing toward the hotel. They both
turned and waved at the other two
Herbert boys on the balcony.
It’s small family moments like this
one that make playing for Oregon so
important to Herbert. Justin and Pat
spent every Monday night this
season at their parents’ home. They
would bring friends to watch
Monday Night Football. His mom,
FREDERICK BREEDON/GETTY IMAGES (THOMAS); FRED VUICH (YOUNG); SIMON BRUTY (BURROW, JEUDY)
Holly took orders for Dairy Queen
Blizzards (Snickers for Pat and
cookie dough for Justin). Dylan, the
family’s Great Pyrenees–black lab
mix, would usually try to steal a lick
At this time next year Herbert
will spend his Mondays digging
into Sunday’s game tape instead of
ice cream. But because of his
decision to return to school, he’ll be
in a better position to thrive in his
new role.
“[The quarterback] position is
different,” Arroyo says. “Another
year with the right guys and the
right timing, you can increase
your value. And [Justin] did,
and he has.”
Justin Herbert will likely be one of the top five picks in the April’s
NFL draft. Here are four other star players who have a legitimate
shot at being the first overall selection.
ANDREW THOMAS
Georgia
Left tackles are always in demand
(since they protect the QB’s blind
side), and Thomas is as good as
they come. Georgia allowed just
12 sacks, the fourth fewest in the
country, and was fourth in the SEC
at 5.07 yards per rushing attempt.
CHASE YOUNG
Ohio State
The Buckeyes have turned into a
pass rusher factory. As the Bosa
brothers dominate in the NFL, along
comes Young, who had 161/2 sacks
in just 11 games as a junior. At 6' 5"
and 265 pounds, he strong, lean,
and quick.
JOE BURROW
LSU
The senior QB made the Tigers
the most fearsome offense in the
nation. He threw for 4,715 yards
and an SEC-record 48 touchdowns—
against just six interceptions. At
6' 4", he has size, an accurate arm,
and a great pocket presence.
JERRY JEUDY
Alabama
The Crimson Tide receiver has
tremendous big-play ability. His
numbers (959 receiving yards,
nine TDs) were actually worse
than they were in 2018, but that’s
largely because Bama has so
many other weapons.
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