Interview: Top California WR Justin Fisher Ready to Bring Offensive Firepower to Riverside JUCO

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

It does not happen very often, but every now and again a top talent in a senior class slips through the recruiting cracks landing at the junior college level. The miss by Division-I programs can be made up for over time in the form of offers, but the result is a big chip on the shoulder of said player with motivation to prove everyone wrong once again. The immediate winner in one unfortunate scenario entering the 2017 season is Riverside Community College (RCC) with the loser being any four-year program needing a difference maker in the slot or on the outside that can stretch the field vertically. Now Justin Fisher is firmly in control of his own destiny ready to showcase his talents against junior college competition with an eye on catching passes on the field and offers off it.

Fisher ended the 2016 season as one of the top producing receivers in the Golden State at the Division-I level covering 1,355 off 58 receptions with 21 touchdowns. The 5-11, 180 pound, end zone magnet was the top target for Class of 2018 five-star quarterback Tanner McKee. The duo, along with a roster loaded full of talent, helped Centennial High School average an eye popping 54 points per game on the way to being ranked as a Top 10 end of season squad in the nation.

Playing against top college rated talent is old hat for Fisher. Centennial lined up against Chandler (AZ), IMG Academy (FL), Chaminade (CA), and St. John Bosco (CA) in the 2016 season alone. Most players do not get to face that kind of talent unless they have found an old copy of NCAA Football for PlayStation. The list gets even more impressive the deeper one goes back. Fisher was on Centennial’s 2015 California state title team that went 14-1, ending with a national No. 2 ranking, taking on East (UT), Chaminade, Orange Lutheran (CA) twice, Mater Dei (CA), St. John Bosco, and De La Salle (CA).

There was national Division-I interest for Fisher throughout his senior season leading into National Signing Day but he ended up being a late qualifier missing out on scholarship opportunities. Fisher is an automatic qualifier already with five units towards the 12 needed to transfer. Another season on the gridiron grinding at his fullest potential will help energize Riverside’s offense in 2017 and give college scouts another opportunity to add the playmaker to the squad as part of the 2018 class.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Fisher ahead of his college football debut covering his offseason workouts with the Tigers and his adjustment to another level of play on the field.

Interview

Justin, how did your offseason workouts going preparing for your freshman season of college ball?

“They went great. The workouts were challenging at the beginning, but I learned fast. Our workouts are easier now. The RCC practices are much faster than Centennial’s. You have to learn and adapt quickly.”

What was the focus of your workouts this summer?

“Getting faster, quicker eyes, running the right routes off the new playbook, and just doing everything the coaches are asking me to do.”

When did you enroll at RCC?

“I started in June, taking a summer class in July.”

What was your first class?

“A kinesiology class.”

Which classes are you taking this semester?

“I’m taking three; sociology, a music class, and math. Football is a unit at RCC. I already have five units. I just need 12 to transfer out.”

When did you start working out with the team preparing for the season?

“Right after my high school season ended.”

Every receiver I have met is always talking to his quarterback, are you in the ear of your quarterback about getting the ball in the passing attack?

“Not that much. I’m more about doing my job and helping the team.”

How have you worked to develop chemistry with your quarterbacks?

“I’m working out with our quarterbacks after practice, getting extra throws in for them to learn my speed and for us to get our timing down. For me, I have to learn how they throw. I have to get that feel for everything.”

What adjustments have you had to make taking that step up from Division-I California high school football to the junior college level?

“That’s a tough question. I don’t feel like I have had to make a change, but the game speed is much faster.”

How have the coaches utilized you within the offense so far?

“They have used me all over the field. Originally, I was on the outside, but I am also in the slot now.”

The Tigers scrimmaged Palomar on Thursday night, how did the scrimmage go overall for the team?

“It was a pretty good scrimmage for us. We started off a little dry – kind of going through the motions. Coach talked to us, then we pulled everything out that we were slacking on and got it going.”

How well did you do in the scrimmage?

“I feel like I did well. That was my first actual scrimmage to get a feel for the game. I thought it went well. I was rotating in with an upperclassman throughout the game.”

You guys open the season with Victor Valley, are you excited for the game?

“Yes, I am very excited.”

Are there any other games on the schedule you are excited to play this year?

“Long Beach City. They are not a rivalry game, but we are after them because they beat us last year. That is something I want to be apart. I want to win.”

How have you gone about learning the differences in RCC’s offense and what the coaches want from you so you can get on the field?

“The plays were a little challenging for me at first but I stayed in my playbook. If I ever had a question, I asked my coach. I stayed on top of everything. I want to be on the field. I have to know what I am doing within the offense before I touch the field.”

What goals have you set for your freshman season?

“Win. I want to do my best for the team so we can win. I just want to do my part out there.”

Justin, thanks for your time today and good luck with the 2017 season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Fisher family; No. 17 Justin Fisher at a RCC practice.