2022 with Jeremy Fisher, Offensive Line Coach, McGuffey High School

Tagged under: District 7, News

David Burnworth | May 24, 2022

Jeremy Fisher

McGuffey

The Coach of the Offensive Line

McGuffey is my favorite place in PA to take in a game, so getting this interview was big for me. I think this is one of the best interviews I have been able to get since I have been doing them. I hope you all like it.

What are the main things you look for in an offensive lineman?

What a great first question! What do I look for in an offensive lineman? We could talk a lot about size, weight, height, arm length, and all those measurables, but really it’s attitude and tenacity. The best offensive linemen are always willing to sell their souls to win! I call them Will Players! We have very good players!

In going to as many high school games as I do, one thing I have noticed is that the center seems more often than not to be the shortest and lightest guy on the line. Can you explain to the readers what the advantages of this are?

I know many won’t agree with me, but the center is the most important position on the field, and we have been blessed with some amazing guys at that position, all of whom fit this question. First, it is about instant leverage. The saying is, “The Low Man Wins!” And those short centers are already down there. The other thing that we have with our guys is that they are pit bulls with chips on their shoulders. They want to prove that it is the size of the fight in the dog! They go after it with pride!

How hard is it on the offensive line when a team has a two-quarterback system where both quarterbacks have different styles?

When it comes to the offensive line and the 2 QB systems, I think the best rule is to stick to our identity. Being simple leads to confidence, which leads to aggressive execution. A lot of people think that you need to change it up, and I think that is a mistake. We want our guys to play like their hair is on fire, and with the return of the mullet, that is a lot of fire for some of my guys. Complicating and changing things leads to paralysis by analysis. We want to be aggressive and go after people. We stay true to ourselves and let those guys make plays.

As a fan, I love the grey turf. Can you tell us how that choice was made?

To be honest, the grey turf was really the players’ call. It is no secret that Coach Dalton likes gray, but when it came time to propose a new stadium and look, the players took the lead and presented it. Everything a coach does is for the players in every sport. Across the board, we have teams having success and making the playoffs all season long, and I think that is a testament to the coach empowering the players and letting them take ownership of their effort and execution on and off the field.

All fans seated on the same side can lead to some interesting things going on in the stands. Can you tell us why you only have bleachers on one side of the stadium?

The simple answer to the bleachers all being on one side is probably a space thing, but as long as people keep it civil and about the love of the game, I think it makes for an amazing atmosphere. We love how passionate our fans get at The Barn!

Last season ended a nine-year streak where McGuffey had gone. 500 or better. What will it take for you to return to your winning ways and make a deep playoff run?

As far as last season goes, I can tell you that no one is happy with the results. We all have to own that. On how we get back to being us, McGuffey, I will keep it simple. We need to be accountable to each other. We need to get back to our identity and be a menace to play on both sides of the ball. Last year was unacceptable by our standards. We need to wipe the slate clean and get to work!

I know you guys played Linsley from West Virginia last season. Is there any chance we will see other out-of-state teams on the schedule? Being so close to Ohio, I could see a big crowd for a Bellaire or Shadyside vs. McGuffey.

Crossing state lines is fun, and I could see us doing it again. I think it is all a matter of opportunity. We really don’t shy away from playing anyone. We might not win every fight, but we always show up for them and take our swings.

What are your thoughts on the state finals being moved out of Hershey and where do you think they should be held?

I hate that they moved the state finals from Hershey. I have heard speculation as to why, but I don’t really care. It is an exciting tradition and needs to be kept. They stole some of the majesties from the game by moving it. If you only make decisions based on money and convenience, you will eventually legislate all the fun out of it. In my opinion, it is a really bad and unfortunate call. I don’t like it one bit!

Have you watched any of the USFL games? If so, what are your thoughts on them?

I will admit, I have seen very little USFL football. The bit I have seen is depressing and I think the league is doing these guys a disservice. Having coached during COVID with no crowds, it is not the same game. I have been told that the crowds have gotten better, but I don’t know for sure. I hope some of these earn a shot at the NFL, but with the CFL, XFL, and USFL, the product on the field will suffer and the players’ health may also suffer.

What is your favorite sports movie?

My favorite sports movie has to be Miracle! A bunch of amateur kids willed to beat the best team in the world by a guy with a plan and their own selfless determination. How can you not get goosebumps watching it? “The Leg Feeds the Wolf, Gentlemen!”

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