Utah defensive backs Coach Sharrieff Shah was at Compton Centennial High School yesterday, and that wasn't the only surprise for rising 2014 DB Denzel Fisher. "We just opened spring practice today and I didn't even know they was coming," he told CLA yesterday.
Fisher was held out of practice with a sore back, but that didn't stop the Utes from extending an offer to the rangy 6'2 170 defensive back.
"Right when I walked up he asked me to standup. He was like "Golleee you're that tall and you play corner?" said Fisher. "They asked me about my parents and him and my mom went to the same high school.. Dorsey. That was my mom's play brother when they were younger, Sharrieff Shah," he said.
Coincidentally, Fisher's mother grew up with Utah DB Coach Shah and as a result the Utes are in the running to land the rising 2014 recruit.
Denzel Fisher '14 DB: LA Nike Camp MVP
"He asked me about my responsibilities. Cover 2, my landmarks from the number to the sidelines. He felt good about me knowing what my responsibilities are. He's seen my highlight tape and the 7 on 7 stuff. He's been hearing a lot about the 7 on 7 circuit," Fisher told CLA.
"He liked my hips and that I could move my feet. I guess now he wants corners with height and with my parents' relationship, it was just great," he said.
When asked whether or not this makes Utah a good fit for the future, Fisher seemed excited about the prospect of landing in the Pac-12 with the Utes.
"They're up there now. It's a good bond. It's a great bond. He's not just a normal coach that's just a receiver coach, he's my position coach. He was saying that there's a few DBs leaving and he knows that I got football smarts," said Fisher.
Even though Fisher has picked up a few offers, he's still working hard to improve his game.
"Coach Shah said he just wants me to work on attacking the ball harder and be a savage all around the ball. I feel like I can go there (Utah) and play. I can see myself there now. With the chemistry that we have I can see myself there," he told CLA.
Fisher is obviously high on Utah, but that doesn't mean there's a commitment coming soon. The senior-to-be plans to take his time and explore what other opportunities may be out there. If Fisher can perform at a high level all season, there's a chance that his offer list will balloon towards the end of 2013.
"I'm still going to weigh out the options with my parents and I want to go through the entire recruiting process. At the end of the day, me and my parents are going to talk about the five schools that fit with academics first and then everything else after that.
Denzel Fisher has emerged as one of the top 2014 defensive backs on the West Coast and has proved it with his play on the 7v7 circuit. Fisher earned DB MVP at the LA Nike Camp and has been consistent at the corner spot as of late.
