OL Blake Fisher Ready to Show 'Dominant' Game in Houston
Blake Fisher bet on himself and it paid off.
The Indiana native left the Notre Dame program after three seasons, and on Friday, Fisher was selected in the second round (59th overall) by the Houston Texans.
Fisher admits he didn’t expect the Texans to draft him, but he’s more than happy to move to Houston and reunite with former Irish teammate Jarrett Patterson.
“I met with them during the combine, had a formal visit and had a couple of Zoom meetings with them,” explained Fisher. “I didn’t know the interest was this high, but I love this opportunity, especially being able to be back with one of my OG’s from college, Jarrett Patterson, and a young and upcoming team.”
The bond with Patterson is something that can benefit Fisher and Texans organization. Fisher will have a guiding light not only on the team but in his position room.
“When I first got to Notre Dame, he was the guy who always took me in and always made sure i was good on plays, different stunts and stuff like that,” stated Fisher. "He believed in me from day one when I told him I wanted to come in and start as a freshman. He took me under and showed me the ropes. I love JP. I’m so excited to get back with him.”
Fisher has never lacked confidence in his game, which is likely why he started at left tackle as a true freshman. Not many offensive linemen start as true freshmen, much less at Notre Dame and at left tackle.
The same energy was there on Friday.
“My game is dominant,” said Fisher. “I’m always looking for work and ways to help the guys next to me. On top of that, just finish. That’s the biggest thing.”
Houston’s general manager, Nick Caserio, sees a player who can help in a number of ways, as Fisher’s film showed him all he needed to know.
“Good football player,” explained Caserio. “I think we’ve always been a big believer that you can’t have enough tackles on your football team. You need three or four tackles you feel can go out there and play.
“In Blake’s case, he’s 6’5 1/2, 315 pounds, long arms, plays strong, plays physical and played against good competition. He’s well-coached. He played with JP. I think our program will benefit him, but you can’t have enough tackles in your building.”
Fisher was equally impressed with the Texans staff during his process, which included visits to Carolina, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Miami, Pittsburgh and San Franciso.
“Great coaching staff,” Fisher stated. “They love ball. On top of loving ball, they just really love their players. They really want their players to be successful and will find all the ways they can to help their players be successful.”
When it comes to position fit, Fisher isn’t opposed to any position. Yes, Fisher is open to player on the interior if need be, including center, but he feels the Texans already have that position on lock.
“I’ve never played inside, but I’m not opposed to being on the inside,” Fisher explained. “I feel I’m a versatile player and there’s a lot I can do - left or right tackle. I want to come in and contribute, whether that is right tackle, left tackle, right guard or left guard. I’ve never played center before, but if that’s what they want, I got it. My guy JP is at the center, so I think he’s going to hold it down there in the middle.”
As for Houston, Fisher has never been and is looking forward to arriving on Saturday to get his first look at his future home.
“I’ve never been to Houston before,” stated Fisher. “I trained in Dallas for the Combine, but always heard Houston’s a great place. Everyone says everything is bigger in Texas and I’m sure Houston is the same. Pretty good food - really good food in Dallas, but I don’t know what it’s like in Houston, so I’m excited to see.”
Now that the draft process is over, Fisher can now go back to focusing on football and starting the next chapter to his story.
“I think sometimes I’ve wanted to get ahead of myself a little bit,” said Fisher. “This whole process is a blessing. Within that blessing, there is going to be adversity that comes even in the last two days. I knew God had a plan and God did.
“This is a dream come true. This is all I’ve ever wanted. I’m going to a great team. I’m excited. I’m excited to come in and go to work.”
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