Justin Herbert, a standout quarterback from the University of Oregon, has been recognized for his exceptional academic achievements. He was named the 2019-20 Academic All-America® of the Year for Division I by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). This remarkable athlete is a testament to the power of balancing academics and athletics, proving that success on the field can go hand-in-hand with a strong academic foundation.
A Scholar-Athlete Extraordinaire
Herbert, a general science major, boasts a perfect 4.01 GPA. His commitment to excellence extends beyond the gridiron, as he has been named to the Academic All-America® team three times. This dedication earned him the prestigious title of CoSIDA Academic All-America® Team Member of the Year in football for two consecutive seasons. This impressive feat demonstrates his unwavering dedication to both academics and athletics.
Herbert attributes his success to the support of the University of Oregon, including his coaches and the Jaqua Center staff. He emphasizes the significant role they played in providing opportunities for him to excel in both academics and athletics. His humility and gratitude shine through as he expresses his deep appreciation for their unwavering support. “I couldn’t have done it without them,” he says, acknowledging the vital role they played in his journey.
A Season of Triumph
On the field, Herbert’s performance has been nothing short of spectacular. During his time at Oregon, he achieved a remarkable feat, throwing at least one touchdown pass in 40 of his 42 starts, including an impressive streak of 35 consecutive games. This consistency and success made him one of the most sought-after players in the NFL Draft.
Herbert’s performance in the 2019 season solidified his status as a top athlete. He led the Ducks to the Pac-12 championship, defeating the University of Utah in a dominant 37-15 victory. His leadership and skill were showcased again in the Rose Bowl, where he guided Oregon to a thrilling 28-27 victory over the University of Wisconsin. This victory was made even more impressive by Herbert orchestrating three fourth-quarter comebacks during the season, demonstrating his composure and resilience under pressure. Herbert’s accomplishments earned him the title of Rose Bowl Offensive Most Valuable Player.
Recognized Across the Nation
Herbert’s exceptional talents have been recognized far and wide. He was selected sixth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers, a testament to his exceptional abilities. His dedication to academic excellence earned him the prestigious William V. Campbell Award (Academic Heisman) and the Pac-12 Conference Scholar Athlete of the Year title. His achievements on the field led to his selection for the Associated Press Pac-12 all-conference second team and recognition as the MVP of the Senior Bowl.
Herbert was a finalist for the Manning Award and a semifinalist for the Davey O’Brien, Maxwell, and Walter Camp awards, demonstrating his consistent performance and recognition from various prestigious organizations. His journey from a standout athlete at the University of Oregon to a highly sought-after NFL player showcases the power of dedication, hard work, and a commitment to excellence on and off the field.
