When Eric Fisher’s high school coach told him that he needed to be an offensive lineman to play college football, he wasn’t too excited. “At first it’s like, come on, offensive line?” said Fisher, who had been a rush-outside linebacker and defensive end.

Five years later, Fisher is expected to be the second offensive tackle taken in April’s draft. “It was probably one of the best moves in my life. I’ve been an offensive tackle ever since,” he said.

The 6-7, 305-pounder received only two scholarship offers — Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan. “Back in high school, not many people would have told you I would have played college ball. I was very, very lightly recruited,” he recalled.

Fisher chose Central Michigan and played sparingly as a true freshman. Following the season, he met his new offensive line coach, Mike Cummings.

“I saw a player that could develop into a great player, but at the same time, he was 278 pounds, which is very thin for his height,” Cummings said. “I saw a guy with lots of potential, a great ability to change direction, and he was very coachable.”

After starting 10 games at left tackle his junior year, Fisher met with Cummings to talk senior year and beyond. “Coach, I have one question for you, do you think I can play pro football?” Fisher asked. “I told him that I don’t think there’s any question — at what level is up to you and what you do this offseason and what you do next season,” Cummings said.

As a senior, Fisher started every game at left tackle and started climbing up draft boards, but it was his performance at the Senior Bowl that has set the former Chippewa apart. He received rave reviews against some of the top senior pass rushers in the nation. Fisher knew that his performance in Mobile would be key.