2019
• Played in 11 games, starting one, at tight end.
• Tallied 29 yards receiving on two catches.
• Recorded a 26-yard reception at Nebraska (9-14), his lone start of the season.
• Scored one touchdown on a three-yard reception against Akron (10-26).
• Amassed six tackles as a member on NIU’s special teams.
• Posted his first career punt return, a 20-yard gain, at Ohio (10-12).
• Key blocker in NIU’s running attack.
• Named to the Academic All-MAC Team.
2018
• Made a successful transition to tight end and caught six passes for 65 yards in 12 games.
• All of his catches came in three games.
• Earned starts at Florida State (9-22), vs. Ohio (10-13), at BYU (10-27) and in the bowl game vs. UAB (12-18).
• Did not play in the Iowa (9-1) or Western Michigan (11-20) games.
• Scored touchdowns in back-to-back games at Akron (11-1) and vs. Toledo (11-7).
• Caught his first career pass versus the Seminoles and finished the game with two catches for seven yards.
• Gave NIU a 7-0 lead at Akron on a 19-yard TD catch and finished with two catches for 23 yards.
• Also scored the first Huskie TD versus Toledo on a career-long 33-yard catch and added a two-yard grab.
• An effective blocker, helped pave the way for Tre Harbison’s 1,000-yard rushing season.
• Named to the Academic All-MAC team and was honored as a MAC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete.
2017
• Played in two games at linebacker before moving to defense following the season.
• Contributed three tackles at Bowling Green (10-21).
• Made another three tackles, including a half tacklesfor
loss, at Ball State (11-9).
2016
• Redshirted.
High School
• Made 45 tackles and forced two fumbles despite losing half a season to a teachers’ labor dispute.
• Averaged more than 25 yards per catch with five touchdowns on 24 total receptions.
• Recorded long receptions of 67 and 97 yards during senior season.
Personal
• Born April 9, 1998 in McHenry, Ill.
• Son of Stan and Allison Lersch.
• Intends to major in business.
Lersch's Single Game Career Highs
Catches: 2 (3x) (Last:Toledo 11-7-18)
Receiving Yards: 35 (Toledo 11-7-18)
Receiving Touchdowns: 1 (Akron 11-1-18; Toledo 11-7-18)
Long Reception: 33 (Toledo 11-8-18)
