Notre Dame Football

Notre Dame OL Blake Fisher Declares for NFL Draft & Explains Decision with ISD

By Matt Freeman

December 8, 2023

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Notre Dame offensive lineman Blake Fisher has arrived at a decision on his future and the Indiana native will declare for the 2024 NFL Draft and opt out of the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl.

It wasn’t an easy decision for Fisher, but it came down to a belief that he was ready for the next level and that he was committed to putting in the work to become an NFL player.

“It was all about if I felt like I was ready and prepared for the NFL,” Fisher told ISD. “It’s been a goal of mine for a long time and that’s where my mind is at. That’s where my heart is at. I want to go dominate at the next level - the NFL.

“Personally, I want to go up against the best all the time and every play. I want to become one of the best. I feel I’m ready and my time at Notre Dame was over.”

There was plenty of research, conversations and feedback obtained to help the 6-foot-6, 312-pounder make an informed decision. He spoke to a wide variety of experienced sources over the last few weeks and is comfortable to leave Notre Dame.

“I received a draft grade back from the school and some outside sources,” stated Fisher. “I had a lot of thought and prayer along with conversations with my family. After that, I came to my decision that it was best for me to leave.”

Fisher, who played in 26 games for the Irish, knows there will be some who question his decision, but he holds a strong conviction that this is the best decision for his future.

“I know I’m ready,” explained Fisher. “I’m ready to grind. There’s been people who have doubted me my whole life and that just makes me go harder. I don’t really pay attention to the outside sources or what people have to say. It’s all opinions. At the end of the day, all I can do is keep my head down and keep the main thing the main thing.”

As for this time at Notre Dame, Fisher, who earned the nickname The Mayor for his recruiting efforts during the COVID cycle, couldn’t be more grateful for not only the experiences but also the people he’s come to love.

“My time at Notre Dame has been filled with growth,” said Fisher. “Freshman year, I came in and started at left tackle, got hurt, came back and started at right tackle. My whole time here I grew with all the changes. I feel I’ve become a better person. I’ve become smarter because of the people I’m surrounded by at Notre Dame. Being able to play for this university every Saturday is something I’ll cherish and something I’ll be forever appreciative of being able to do.