Justin Herbert begins his 2018 football season in 24 hours, and there will be a lot riding on his play this coming season. Oregon is expected to be a darkhorse candidate to win the Pac-12 North Division. The Ducks won't be able to do that without Herbert playing at a high level.

There is also a lot riding on this season for Herbert on an individual level as well.

ESPN.com recently ran a story that named Herbert one of the few players in college football that is in competition for the No. 1 overall draft pick for the 2019 NFL Draft.

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"With above-average athleticism and the arm strength to dial up some heat on the ball, Herbert has the tools to fit in today's more modern NFL systems," ESPN.com's Matt Bowen wrote of Herbert. "Check out the throw in the clip above. He puts the ball into a tight window against Oregon State in the red zone, showing anticipation and velocity. I need to see Herbert develop more as a consistent rhythm thrower in 2018, however. That includes his eyes and reads to get the ball out to vacated zones or backside targets. The ceiling to be the top pick is there, and the Ducks will score a lot of points this season.

"Game you have to watch: vs. Washington on Saturday, Oct. 13. The Huskies' secondary will feature multiple NFL prospects. This is a good midseason test for Herbert."

As a sophomore last season, Herbert threw for 1,983 yards and 15 touchdowns while throwing just five interceptions. Herbert also rushed for five touchdowns and completed 67.5 percent of the passes he attempted. He did however miss five games due to injury and the Ducks went just 1-4 in the games without him.

The Ducks will open the 2018 football season on Saturday against Bowling Green at 5 p.m. PT on the Pac-12 Network. Plenty of eyes will be on Oregon to see if they are for real this seaosn, but just as many will focus on Herbert and if he's truly going to be one of the nation's best players.