By Ryan Deal 

605 Sports

As a result, he’s produced all over the field and has gotten comfortable every season, including last season as a Class 9B all-state selection.

“Much more comfortable,” Hermann said about his growth each season. “Each year is a step. You just grow up a little bit more and feel a lot better about what you are doing out there.”

He’s passed for 1,997 yards and 18 touchdowns, while rushing for 809 yards and 13 touchdowns in his career. On defense, he’s posted 216 total tackles, five fumble recoveries, four sacks and one interception during his career. 

“He’s done a fantastic job with our double-wing offense and leading us through that,” Eisenbraun said. “His experience continues to pay dividends in how he does things. Last year we moved him to middle linebacker on the defense. He was playing outside linebacker and defensive back before that.”

Hermann, a 6-foot-2, 200-pounder, looks the part as a football player and can handle the workload on the football field. Eisenbraun said Hermann is also a willing blocker and is like having another running back at the quarterback spot. 

“I would say 90% of the plays he’s blocking as well,” Eisenbraun said. “So he’s a tremendous blocker as well. He just manages things really, really well. He’s got great athletic ability. He’s a big, strong kid.”

What is Hermann’s favorite position?

“Probably middle linebacker,” he said. “I just really enjoy reading everything and making tackles. You don’t have to worry as much. You just kind of go out there and do it.”

On offense, Hermann has other dynamic playmakers at his disposal. Fellow senior Gus Stout, a running back, has also been a regular the past few seasons, while his brother Kole Hermann is also a dependable running back.

Senior Maxx Richardson (6-foot-4) and sophomore Karson Eisenbraun (6-foot-2) are reliable weapons in the passing game. 

Their playmaking abilities, Garrett Hermann said, help take the burden off his shoulders on offense. 

“I have one end that is 6-foot-2 and he can catch anything,” Hermann said. “I have another end that is 6-foot-4 and you just kind of throw the ball toward him. He can kind of go out there and get anything too. I have two running backs who are pretty fast and they also have great hands.”

Hermann and the other players have not only been regular contributors to the program, but also stepped up into leadership roles. Hermann and Stout have especially been called upon to be leaders and filled into that role last season as juniors. 

“They’ve just grown up together and they’ve got a real close bond,” Eisenbraun said. “It’s just a fun group to coach. Garrett and Gus both are definitely the leaders.” 

Hermann doesn’t take the leadership role lightly, and tries to lead by example for the younger players.  

“I can remember when I grew up some of the leaders, too, and it just made the difference to me,” Hermann said. “This year, we have some freshmen starters coming up and they are going to do an awesome job.”

In Kadoka Area’s season-opening win against Lyman, Hermann rushed for two touchdowns and 70 yards. He also completed 7-for-7 pass attempts for 65 yards as he continues to produce and be a leader for the Kougars. 

“He is one of those guys that is team first,” Eisenbraun said. “He could probably carry the ball 30 times or we could throw it 30 times. But he’s more interested in the team doing well and the successes of the team than what he gets. That kind of leadership it’s just so invaluable. We are lucky that he is that kind of a leader. But he is also a good athlete. Those kinds of things don’t always come around together.”