Player Evaluation: Zuriah Fisher

Penn State 2020 commit Zuriah Fisher is a unique prospect. A three-star linebacker, Fisher stands at 6-foot-3, 255 pounds, but has a skill-set of a smaller player. The major question is not can Fisher play, but rather where will he end up? With his blend of size and skill, the Aliquippa native poses a scouting and evaluation challenge, but also a unique opportunity for the Nittany Lion coaching staff.

Important Note: Scouting notes are based on highlight videos produced by commit. They should not be seen as a complete picture of the strengths and weaknesses of a prospect. The majority of the evaluation is based off of physical tools and what positional fundamentals that can be gleaned from select plays. As these young men are still in the early stages of their development, projections are based on positive potential and development.

Positional & Coverage Skills: As a larger linebacker, Fisher was smart to try and answer questions about his coverage ability early in his highlight film. He has several one-handed interceptions that show an ability to not only get in passing lanes, but to also make a play when he gets there. He looks natural dropping into coverage and does not seem lost when trying to find his zone. He has an understanding of where receivers are and shows good anticipation to undercut throws and make plays on the ball. Fisher clearly had a knack for making plays that are available. Whether it’s a fumble recovery, interception or tackle for a loss, Fisher has many examples of simply being around the ball. That’s a valuable skill to have no matter what position a defender plays. As a run defender, his size and power are self-explanatory.

Size & Length: There’s big, and then there’s Fisher who is comically larger than the players around him on film. He’s every bit of 6-3, 255 pounds and has a massive wingspan that he uses well. There are times on film that Fisher is larger than the guards that are trying to block him. While he doesn’t always make overtly violent contact, Fisher has the ability to drag a ball-carrier down with one hand and to knock blockers off their assignment and get to the runner. When he attacks the line of scrimmage, he’s an imposing run-stuffer who does not allow yards after contact. Fisher also has a long, powerful stride that is useful for eating up ground in the open field.

Vision & Football Intelligence: There are not a lot of wasted steps for Fisher on his tape. It's clear that he's been well-schooled on how to read his offensive keys, then diagnose the play to execute his assignment properly. Part of his ability to make plays in coverage is due to his impressive length, but it also speaks to his ability to see how the play is developing and attack.

Explosive Speed: Fisher has good movement skills and does not seem to be a tightly-wound athlete, but he does not possess the explosive burst that most modern linebackers have. There are times on film that his feet seem heavy and transitioning directions at high-speed is not a strength. That is not only an issue in the passing game, but may limit his effectiveness as a run defender against quicker runners that can elude his grasp. Right now, Fisher makes plays with discipline and length but there is a question as to whether or not that will be enough at the next level. If Fisher can improve in this area it will only accentuate his coverage skills and his mental approach.

Growth and Development: There is no such thing as a 260-pound linebacker. Fisher already tips the scales as one of the heaviest defensive ends for the Nittany Lions, let alone linebackers. He may make improvements to his speed and agility if he’s able to drop weight, but his growth pattern may select him out of the position and place him along the defensive line. Based on his size, he could easily develop into not just a defensive end, but maybe even a tackle. That's unlikely to happen, but there's a lot that suggests he'll ultimately end up rushing off the edge.

Patience: Patience will be key for both Fisher and Penn State fans. He’s clearly a talented football player who has a good head for the game and will need to find a home on defense. The ability to persevere through challenges and accept a harder path may be necessary.

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Much will depend on how Fisher’s body responds to a collegiate strength and development program and what the Penn State coaching staff has in mind for him. An edge defender that can drop into coverage? That’s valuable. A trimmed down, but thickly-built middle linebacker with coverage and length? That's also valuable. No matter where he lands, making sure his body composition is right for the position is key. Size is an asset and how they best use it will determine his future. I would lean towards defensive end, but he could go either way.

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