[1] Hemer attended Medford Area Senior High School in Medford, Wisconsin, where he was First-team All-State (WFCA, Wisconsin Preps) as a Senior, Second-team All-State selection by the Associated Press, First-team All-Region, All-Area, All-Conference, Conference Defensive Player of the Year and Team Captain.

Hemer was named the defensive scout team player of the week for the game against Purdue.

He was named co-defensive player of the week against Iowa after his first career start where he recorded 6 tackles.

Hemer had a season high 5 tackles in the Big 10 Championship game against Michigan State on December 3.

He recorded a season high 3 tackles in games against Iowa, Minnesota, and Penn State.

[2] At the Badger pro day Hemer bench pressed 225 pounds 32 times, which would have tied for 2nd best at the NFL scouting combine among D-linemen had he been invited.

[4] Throughout training camp and preseason Hemer competed for a roster spot with Josh Mauro and Nick Williams.

A week later the Steelers brought back Hemer after Josh Mauro was claimed by the Arizona Cardinals.