DE PERE — De Pere Redbirds quarterback Gabe Herman was fired up for his senior season. Coming off of a league title and being named the conference offensive player of the year, he had high expectations.
He didn't realize that the very first snap of the season, a play that he called, would result in what happened next.
"It was a clean play he just hit my knee awkwardly, after that I knew something was wrong," said Herman.
Herman, known as a mobile quarterback, was not able to play with the same mobility outside of the pocket after the play.
"I was just kind of hoping it was going to go away," said Herman.
It didn't go away. Herman left the game at halftime and watched from the sideline with crutches and a bag of ice taped to his knee.
In the days that followed it was determined that Herman tore his MCL and needed surgery. Herman said this likely will keep him out for the season barring a deep playoff run.
Rather than showing his frustration, Herman anxiously awaited when he could return to the sideline to help new starting quarterback Easton Arendt.
"I had a couple days before I actually got surgery on my knee and in those practices I was able to move and go out there with him," said Herman.
Herman has taken Arendt under his wing.
"The thing I was trying to harp on him the most was quarterback, the most important trait is leadership," said Herman.
Leadership that is already noticed under new head coach Ben Strickland.
"He's been the voice of leadership in the locker room," said Strickland.
Now as Herman takes on his new role, it's not uncommon for players like Arendt to head over to the bench for advice.
"I want to give him all the knowledge I can to be successful because I'm still apart of this team whether I'm helping out him or out on the field," said Herman.
For now, Herman is focused on the little things in his rehab process like being able to increase mobility and flexibility.
Even if he doesn't get back on the gridiron this fall, he's confident he'll be in uniform on the hardwood in a few months.
