Toledo's Fisher getting comfortable at linebacker

Senior Jordan Fisher is in his second season at linebacker after switching from tight end.

By Brian Buckey / The Blade
Tue, 15 Oct 2019 17:21:04 GMT

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In his second season on the defensive side of the football, things are starting to slow down on the field for University of Toledo senior linebacker Jordan Fisher.

The transition to linebacker from tight end has had its highs and lows, but Fisher is becoming more comfortable with every game.

“I think it has gone well,” Fisher said. “There have been a little bit of ups and downs just like anything. I just keep building and get better week by week. It flows better, and I feel like I can read stuff happening faster. I can get to the ball a little bit faster than I was last year. I'm just doing my assignments and instead of trying to make every play I'm trying to stay assignment-sound.”

Fisher spent his first three seasons as a tight end, including a redshirt season as a freshman. In 2017 as a sophomore, Fisher started every game at tight end and caught 20 passes for 295 yards.

In need of linebacker depth, Fisher made the position switch in the spring of 2018 and was the third leading tackler on the team last season with 60 tackles, and he forced three fumbles. He had a career-high 12 tackles in a game against Buffalo last season.

So far this season, Fisher is second on the team with 43 tackles and also has an interception.

Despite being in his second season on defense, Fisher has taken it upon himself to be a leader to the younger players on the defense.

“I just try to be supportive, and if they have questions I try to answer them or point them in the right direction,” Fisher said. “When things get tough, I try to get everyone composed and try to have everyone keep their composure and focus on the next drive and the next play as opposed to whatever else is going on.”

One of the jobs for Fisher and the defense is getting lined up, organized, and ready to go prior to the snap.

“That's all of our jobs to be honest,” Fisher said. “We all have to be able to communicate with each other and talk about different checks and stuff we see out there on the field. I just have to do my part in that and make sure I communicate with other guys so that they can get set.”

Toledo senior safety Kahlil Robinson said Fisher does a good job of getting the defense in the right positions pre-snap.

“I think he does a great job handling the guys in front of him and behind him as far as the lineman and the secondary,” Robinson said.

Fisher is a hard-nosed, no-nonsense-type player, and Robinson said he embodies everything the defense wants to be as a whole.

“I think he brings his attitude, his mindset, and his go-hard ability just to go hard no matter what,” Robinson said. “Those are things we strive for as a whole defense, and he brings that attitude, that toughness, and the mindset to play as hard as he possibly can. That attitude is contagious, and it spreads to the rest of the defense.”

Fisher was a wide receiver at Tuscarora High School in Leesburg, Va and chose Toledo as a three-star prospect.

Robinson for one is glad to have Fisher on the defensive side of the ball.

“I'm grateful for his switch and his transition to defense, and he's been a really great player for us,” Robinson said.

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