NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Joey Fisher, OT, Shepherd

Joey Fisher is the standout player and All-American offensive lineman from Shepherd University. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.
Joey Fisher is the standout player and All-American offensive lineman from Shepherd University. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.
  • Name: Joey Fisher
  • Height: 6’5”
  • Weight: 320 lbs.
  • Position: OT
  • College: Shepherd University
  • Twitter: Joeyfisher76
  • Instagram: Joeyfisher.76

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
My major is in Recreation with a concentration in Coaching. I completed an internship at my former high school, helping to coach the softball team. I will be interning at One Life Fitness this fall where I will be shadowing personal trainers. I’ve also had the opportunity to speak to local high schools about my football journey.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
I’m a hard worker. I come to the classroom, weight room and field, being the best that I can be. Being one of the older guys and team captains, I lead by example and keep the morale up on my team.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I establish the line of scrimmage and ignite others with my ability to pancake defenders. I’ve only played tackle during my time at Shepherd although I’m aware that some NFL teams might want to switch me to guard. Most of my starts have come at RT although this year, I will be making the switch to LT. My coaches are comfortable leaving me on an island, taking care of my assignment and creating a pocket for my QB. I’m also athletic enough to be the lead pulling blocker. We implement a lot of zone schemes and also use power and counter plays with the action typically happening on my side of the field.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Back in my freshman year, I was transitioning from defense to offense. I faced some bigger edge rushers from West Chester in Ch’aim Smith and Fuhani Freeman.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
First off, I have to go with our QB and Harlon Hill Award Winner Tyson Bagent. He’s an exceptional leader on and off the field. He does a lot to spark the team and boost morale. He’s also very unselfish and always does what’s best for the team to win. Our RB, Ronnie Brown, should have another great season this year. He works his tail off in practice, racing guys in sprints and finishes after every whistle. One of the players that we will miss this season is LB Chrys Lane. Being our defensive leader, he always brought intensity, playing his heart out and motivating others to bring their very best. We have some young talented players that are going to step up and impress a lot of people this season.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
My sophomore year in high school, I tore the labrum in my shoulder. I finished the season and had to have surgery. Yet, due to scheduling conflicts, my surgery ended up being pushed back to May. Due to the necessary recovery time, I ended up losing my junior year of football which drastically affected my recruitment. I got a gym membership that season and worked hard, getting bigger, faster and stronger. My senior year, I was named All-State and had D1 offers. I was committed to going to Maryland, however they had turnover in their coaching staff and wanted me to switch positions to a TE which I wasn’t prepared to do. So, I decommitted, ending up attending a summer camp at Towson. Playing defense, it really wasn’t a good fit for me there. One of my high school coaches played LB at Shepherd and turned me on to their program. After the school reached out to me, I was able to build a great relationship with the coaching staff, setting me up for great success in the program.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Basketball. We won region my senior year in high school. I also threw shot put in track & field in high school and also played baseball as a freshman.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m very proud that I’ve been able to fulfill my dream of playing college football at a very high level and having the opportunity to play at the next level. I’ve accumulated several accolades over the years, being named All-Conference as well as an All-American.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
This past season, we had back-to-back weeks where we won games with a last-minute Hail Mary play. We beat Notre Dame College and then Kutztown. The one against Kutztown was a bit sweeter. They had beaten us earlier in the season, and we were able to get our revenge. On that play, Tyson rolled out of the pocket, hitting Alex Wetzel for the touchdown.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Growing up, I was a fan of the Baltimore Ravens. I was a huge fan of Ray Lewis with his intensity and ability to dominate games. His leadership and motivational speeches were next level. One of the players that I model my game after is Trent Williams. He’s such a big, physical guy who effortlessly imposes his will on his opponent.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Kevin Gates is one of my favorite artists. I like to listen to his stuff before games.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Any kind of steak, even deer steak.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite TV show is The Office. Will Ferrell is one of my favorite actors with Step Brothers being one of my favorite movies.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I like being outdoors. I enjoy deer hunting. I built a weight room in my shed during the Covid season that I continue to use. I also enjoy playing video games when I have time.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
My family is my biggest motivation. I want to be able to make it to the next level for them. By playing for my family, my hope is that I can give back to them and put them in a better situation for the future.

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