Ethan Fischer – Maple River (2022)
Until recently, one of Minnesota’s best, under-recruited football players has been Maple River’s, Ethan Fischer Ethan Fischer 6'9" | 265 lbs | OL Maple River | 2022 State MN . The two-way, three-sport athlete dominated on the grid-iron during the…
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Continue ReadingUntil recently, one of Minnesota’s best, under-recruited football players has been Maple River’s,
Ethan Fischer
Ethan
Fischer
6'9" | 265 lbs | OL
Maple River | 2022
State
MN
. The two-way, three-sport athlete dominated on the grid-iron during the fall and carried that into his other sports. College programs have finally started to notice. Now, with him in the sights of some of the biggest programs in the Midwest, Fischer is gearing up for a senior year that athletically is set up to be a big one, not only for him but for Maple River athletics.
“I didn’t get much interest until the last month,” Fischer said. “I have talked to Minnesota-Duluth, Minnesota State – Mankato, North Dakota, and Minnesota.”
A two-way player in high school, recruiters, have focused on one side of the ball at this early stage.
“Most of the coaches are talking to me about offensive tackle,” Fischer said. “They like the size of my frame, and they like what they see on film.”
On film – and in reality – the Maple River football team put together a solid year.
“We didn’t have many seniors, so the junior class led the team,” the 6’9″ 270-pound junior said. “We only had three losses to two teams. We started all juniors or sophomores, and we will be returning all our starters next year.”
The Eagles won games at the line of scrimmage.
“On defense, the defensive line shut down the running game, and when we made teams pass, our defensive backs locked down their receivers,” Fischer explained. “They had quite a few interceptions. On offense, the junior class has had the same offensive line since 6th grade. We are all 245 pounds or more, so we usually run the ball.”
Fischer is a fixture on both sides of the line of scrimmage.
“I start as the right offensive tackle. In our run game, we usually run down my back. We had a bigger guard on my side, so we ran it to our side most of the time. My strengths are pass protection. I am 6’9″ with a wingspan of almost seven feet – getting out and reach blocking a defensive end.”
“We ran a 3-4 on defense, so I usually lined up head up on their center,” Fischer continued. “Most of the time, I was taking on double teams. I am good at collapsing the pocket. I usually deflected a pass or two a game. No one could run up the middle on us.”
Fischer will soon be a three-year starter.
“I started at right tackle as a sophomore and was the fourth defensive lineman rotating into the defensive line.”
This offseason, Fischer – who likes to hunt deer, duck, and goose – knows he still needs to improve.
“My first step has never been great,” Fischer admitted. “I have focused on my first step being explosive, so I am in the right spot so then I can finish plays in a better position.”
During the winter, Fischer’s athletic focus was not solely on football. He was a big part of the Eagles’ basketball team.
“We were 18-2. I was the second guy off the bench and played in the post. I would post up and usually swing the ball out to one of our shooters.”
Although he is one of the top football players in the state – football might not be his best sport.
“I just set a school record in the discus. I threw 174’ 7″. I broke the junior high school record when I was that age. I was injured my eighth-grade year, and as a freshman, I threw on varsity for the first time. I ended up going to State and taking 2nd place (as a freshman). I throw shot put as well, but I am not as good at that. I put a lot more time into the discus – that came naturally to me. It was more fun working on discus. As I have gotten stronger, shot put has become easier. I throw around 42 or 43 feet for shot put.”
Fischer still finds time to get into the weight room.
“During basketball season, we would lift three or four times a week. During track, we lift and do speed and agility stuff after every practice. We focus on the three core lifts.”
Fischer is focused on getting back to State in track and getting his football team to the next level – which with all 22 starters coming back – could mean getting back to State.