Notre Dame offensive tackle Blake Fisher is a plug-and-play prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. He’s versatile enough to play both left and right tackle, adding value to his stock. Fisher helped spearhead a Fighting Irish offense that averaged a near-school record 39.1 points per game this past season.
Fisher recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about playing in multiple offensive schemes, his favorite play to execute in the playbook, touring the country on pre-draft visits, and more.
JM: I thought you played your best season of college ball in 2023. You were an elite right tackle for a historically prolific Notre Dame offense that averaged 39.1 points per game, second most in school history. What would you credit those performances to?
Blake Fisher: It started with the offensive coordinator and our coaching staff in general. They put us in the best positions to succeed. They were very familiar with our strengths as players and they hammered them home.
We played big-boy football on the ground. When it came time, we were dynamic through the air as well. We mixed in the screen game, too. I have to credit our offensive coordinator. We were multiple on offense.
JM: You got better every single year. What is it about your game and approach that led to steady improvement?
Blake Fisher: I had a few different offensive line coaches throughout my time at Notre Dame. I was able to add different skills to my toolbox along the way. We applied that throughout in-game settings.
It was constant repetition to where it becomes muscle memory. I put the work in. I love working at my craft. It was a credit to our dedication in practice as well. I was committed to the process.
JM: Talk to me about your chemistry with Joe Alt. You were the best tackle pairing in the nation.
Blake Fisher: Joe Alt and I came in together. That’s my guy. He’ll be at my wedding someday. He’s one of those guys. I’ve grown super close to him over the years. I’m excited for him and what the future holds. I was thrilled to play with him at Notre Dame.
JM: He’d say the same about you. Does Blake Fisher see himself in a gap/power offense at the next level, or in more of a zone-based scheme?
Blake Fisher: I think I can play in both schemes. I feel like I’m an extremely versatile player. I can play both left and right tackle. I had multiple offensive coordinators at Notre Dame. They provided me with the opportunity to play in multiple schemes.
We did some downhill stuff. We also ran more tempo, outside zone looks. We did more of that wide-zone scheme stuff this season. That allowed me to flourish in multiple looks. I would say I’m versatile when it comes to running schemes.
JM: What was your favorite play to run in the playbook this past season and why?
Blake Fisher: I would probably say duo. It was called “Dublin” in our playbook. It was big-boy football. We tried to get two or three double teams on those looks, taking that down lineman to that linebacker.
We saw our running backs make those cuts across the line of scrimmage. We freed them up for explosive gains.
JM: It must have been fun blocking for Audric Estime on those looks. It makes the job easier.
Blake Fisher: No doubt it did. Having Audric [Estime] out there was like having a sixth offensive lineman.
JM: He has that toughness and physicality to him. The Steelers and Patriots were a part of your 30 pre-draft visit tour, according to social media. How much fun have you had touring the country on these visits?
Blake Fisher: It’s been a lot of fun. The biggest thing for me, I’ve been to a bunch of airports I’ve never been to. I’ve never seen so many airports in my life. It’s been great. Meeting all of these teams has been a blessing.
I’ve met with a bunch of coaches and personnel people. Seeing the similarities and differences between different coaches and front offices has been fun. It’s been to see the different places I could be at. It was very exciting. I’ve loved the process.
JM: What was the best airport meal you had? As a big boy, I know you got into some of that airport food.
Blake Fisher: I had Shake Shack at the Atlanta airport (laughs). That was really good. Shake Shack is my go-to. I love Shake Shack.
JM: That sounds delicious. We've appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Blake Fisher going to make at the next level?
Blake Fisher: I feel like I’m going to contribute at the next level. I want to make a positive contribution for whichever organization will have me. I’m going to be a versatile player that can play left and right tackle.
I’m going to provide a ton of depth and competition. I can step into a starting role if things fall that way. Always being prepared is a strength of mine. I can be dominant. I’m a versatile player that’s fundamentally sound in pass protection and the run game.
I’m a smart, dependable, trustworthy player.
