Notre Dame Commit Blake Fisher Gives State of the Union

2021 Avon (Ind.) offensive lineman Blake Fisher‍ committed to Notre Dame in June and he immediately started working on building the class. 

The 6-foot-6, 335-pounder has become the face of the class on the recruiting trail for his efforts, but Fisher is also quick to point out it's a team effort.

"(Gabriel) Rubio has the defensive line, (Tyler) Buchner and I have the offensive line and running backs. Lorenzo (Styles) works on the receivers and also the linemen, Justin (Walters) works on the defensive backs, Cane (Berrong) works on the tight ends along with Lorenzo and I," explained Fisher. "It's really not difficult. We reach out to those guys frequently. 

"We all recruit a lot. I would say I might be the more social one, but they've all become more interactive on Twitter and come out behind closed doors. A lot of those guys recruit harder than a lot of people think."

The four-star prospect was disappointed when the coronavirus impacted the big recruiting weekend in March, but communication hasn't dropped off between Fisher and the staff.

"Coach (Tommy) Rees and I talk probably every day," said Fisher. "Coach (Jeff) Quinn and I talk about every other day. Coach (Brian) Kelly and I talk once a week. 

"They're just checking in and asking how the conversations with the guys are going or checking in on my family to make sure we're staying safe and healthy during this tragic time."

The increased communication has actually been a good thing for Fisher and other recruits from a relationship standpoint. Recruits have been able to get closer to the coaches and really see some different sides of the staff.

"Not really being able to take visits made us really take a step back and it's brought us closer together," stated Fisher. "The next time we do see each other, we will appreciate it even more." 

The last month has also been challenging for Fisher as 2021 receiver Deion Colzie decommitted and rumors swirled that Styles might not be solid to the Irish. 

Fisher doesn't hold grudges as he understands it's a tough decision and each player has to make the best decision for himself, but that doesn't mean he isn't checking in or helping to keep his peers committed.

"I just hit them up and ask them what's going on," said Fisher. "With Lorenzo, he's just building relationships with other coaches and I understand that because you never know what may happen at Notre Dame when it comes to coaches leaving. 

"Lorenzo is definitely 150 percent still committed to Notre Dame and the fans have nothing to worry about. That's not just coming from me. That's coming from Lorenzo. I FaceTimed him last week and this week. He chuckled and said it was a joke and people were blowing things out of proportion." 

Kelly and Fisher also recently hopped on a FaceTime call with top 2021 offensive line target Rocco Spindler‍, who is one of Fisher's best friends.

"He understood Rocco was taking his time," Fisher recalled. "Coach Kelly wants him really bad, but understands Rocco wants to take his officials and then make a decision. 

"Rocco, that's my guy. I've known Rocco since we were freshmen when we camped at Ohio State. We FaceTime every day to check up on each other. I've only known him for three years, but I feel like I've known him my whole life. I feel we're in a great position with Rocco."