Micah Herlich Micah Herlich 5'10" | 180 lbs | DB/RB Pleasant Valley | 2026 State IA is expected to be a major two-way factor for the Spartans in 2025. As a CB, Herlich recorded 38.5 tackles (32 solo) and an interception. As a HB, Herlich ran for 249 yards and a touchdown on just 28 carries, averaging an impressive 8.9 yards per carry. Playing as a slot-back out of a wishbone formation, Herlich often took lateral handoffs where he would run outside the box, where he showed great vision and the ability to gash through the lanes to break out into the open field as a speedy threat. Herlich also plays with a great level of tenacity, showing a will to fight through contact, while also helping out as a run-blocker for his fellow RBs. As an outside CB, Herlich is versatile both against the run and the pass, proving to match up against WRs step-by-step, with his interception showing potential with his ball-skills, while also proving effective in limiting the opponent’s outside-run ability. Herlich will move up toward the top of the RB depth chart in 2025 following the departure of both of the team’s 1000 yard rushers last season, and with that, Herlich could shoot toward the top of the rankings by the end of his senior year.

In one of the state’s most consistently sound programs, Herlich contributed on both sides of the ball as a junior last season. He piled up 38.5 Tackles (32 solo) and an interception as a defensive back. On offense, Herlich rushed for 249 yards (8.9 YPC) and a touchdown. He’s intriguing as a ball carrier, with sharp cuts that make defenders miss in tight quarters. His quick acceleration often gets him around the edge and up the sideline. Defensively, Herlich is a versatile member of the secondary capable of stuffing the run or locking down in coverage. He diagnoses plays fast and flies to the football as he shows during his junior highlight video.