Green Bay Packers: Getting to know Micah Hyde
By Josh McPeak
As the first of a five-part series, I hope to introduce Green Bay Packers fans to players who are not yet household names anywhere except for the likes of Packers News. However, they are on the cusp of becoming just that.
Today the player to be profiled – one who is receiving a tremendous amount of hype – is none other than defensive back Micah Hyde.
If you were to paint a picture of an athlete, Micah Hyde’s time at Fostoria High could overflow on any canvas. As a three-sport star Hyde’s leadership skills may have shined the brightest. Beginning in his sophomore year Hyde was a captain of the football team until he graduated.
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As a junior in high school Micah Hyde won first team honors as a quarterback, defensive back and a kicker, while getting honorable mention as a punter.
During Hyde’s high school days he also averaged 22 points per game for his career on the hardwood. On the football squad he broke 17 school records while throwing for 7,864 yards and 65 touchdowns. This led to Hyde being recruited as a two-star dual-threat quarterback.
Micah Hyde eventually chose the University of Iowa where he found himself as a starter by his sophomore year – a season that saw him record 82 tackles with 4 interceptions and earning honorable mention at defensive back for the All Big10 team.
Hyde’s junior season at Iowa may interest Packers fans the most.
He started the first two games of the season as the Hawkeyes’ safety. In the team’s third game of the season Hyde was moved back to corner and picked off the Pitt Panthers twice in the game.
During his senior year Hyde finally reached first team All Big10 honors and also received the Tatum-Woodson Award for most outstanding defensive back in the Big 10. Something that also will be of key interest to Packers fans is the fact Hyde started every single game for the Hawkeyes from his sophomore year until the time he graduated.
Micah Hyde
At six-foot and a shade shy of 200 pounds Hyde was listed as a sixth-round projection. Scouts said he lacked hip flexibility and top speed (4.52, 40). They also listed Hyde as a sure tackler with great instincts.
With the 159th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Ted Thompson and the Green Bay Packers selected Micah Hyde, defensive back from the University of Iowa.
Hyde had an impact on special teams as well as defense for the Green Bay Packers during his rookie campaign. During a game against the bitter rival from Minnesota as some have labeled the “Vi-Queens” Hyde returned a punt 93 yards for his first NFL career touchdown.
During Micah Hyde’s rookie season with the Packers he racked up 55 tackles, 1 sack and 1 forced fumble. Not too shabby for a fifth round pick.
Micah Hyde may not be the greatest playmaker on the Packers roster and he may not have to be. Why, you ask? Because he brings three things to the table that could contribute to the Dom Capers’-led defense more than anything. Hyde is a sure tackler with extremely good instincts and possibly most important, he is a durable player.
During the 2014 season Hyde may start and see extensive time at safety but as his career continues, don’t be surprised to see him shifted back to his true position as a corner.
Green Bay Packers cornerback Micah Hyde (33) returns a punt for a touchdown. Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
2014 holds high expectations for Micah Hyde. He has quickly become a Packer favorite and as many of us remember (or maybe want to forget) Hyde was about two inches from possibly rewriting the entire story for the 2013 Green Bay Packers.