Indiana’s game against UCLA couldn’t have been going better for Aiden Fisher. On the second play of the game, Fisher intercepted Nico Iamaleava’s pass and returned it for a touchdown. One play later, Fisher’s fortunes completely changed, as he got rolled up on, hurting his knee and knocking him out of the rest of the game as well as the following game against Maryland.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Fisher explained what happened on the play where he was injured and what went into the decision to rest him against Maryland.
“It was on the play after [the interception]; just kind of got folded up, and had a little minor tweak of something. Headed into the Maryland game I felt pretty good to go, talked to Coach Cig and the trainers, and we decided that it wasn’t worth the risk, I don’t think I was really ready to go at that moment. But everything’s all good now, so we’re trending upwards.” Fisher said.
For Fisher, what was worse than the physical pain of the injury was the mental pain of not being out on the field with his brothers. Instead of moping about this, Fisher displayed immense amounts of mental fortitude, taking an active role in making sure his fellow linebackers were ready to play without him.
“It’s tough. When I first got hurt, the biggest thing that went through my mind was, you know, I could either be a really bad teammate by saying ‘woe is me’ and putting my head down and looking for pity, which I think would be a terrible representation of myself and what I think I’ve grown to mean to this team. Being as positive as can be, helping other people…
Isaiah [Jones], KT [Kaiden Turner], Jeff [Utzinger], everybody getting thrown in different spots. I think I was able to help them by not being that guy. It’s a selfish thing to do if I were to sit on the bench with a towel over my head just because I can’t finish a game. It was definitely tough but I just tried to do my best to be positive, encourage those guys, bring a lot of confidence to them, let them play free and fast, and do a great job.” Fisher said.
Fisher continued by explaining just how much went into preparing Jones and Hardy for their start against Maryland, saying:
“There’s a lot to it. Our scheme is pretty hectic. I think I take care of a lot of things, checks and stuff, then you pass that down to Isaiah, who did a phenomenal job. He and [Rolijah Hardy] together took that and just ran with it, which is great to see for us as a defense. Those guys, especially, did a great job. Even some things, a guy can get in their head pretty quick if something goes wrong. Just letting them know, we’ve been here before.
They’re great football players, everyone we have in our room that plays. Just build their confidence; let them know I’m there every step of the way. [If] you need help, ask me. Anything I see, I’m going to bring that to him, as a team or from them specifically. I can’t say enough about just how much those guys carry themselves; such pride when they were out there and played so well. Maybe they didn’t need me as much, but they did a great job.”
While Fisher did a great job of preparing Jones and Hardy to play without him (they held Maryland to just 37 rush yards), his impact on the game was felt immediately last week as Indiana played Penn State. Fisher had another interception and a fumble recovery in the Hoosiers’ first-ever win in Happy Valley.
Now, Fisher has his sights firmly set on Indiana’s matchup with Wisconsin on Saturday, which will also be his senior day. As a JMU transfer, he fully expects it to be an emotional day, as he celebrates the town and program that embraced him with open arms and made him the player he is today.
“I think Saturday, just me and my family having that moment, will be pretty emotional, but I just can’t talk highly enough of Bloomington. This program and this place have really allowed me to blossom as a person and a player. I love this place; it’s going to be emotional, but you should get one last special show before we have a good send-off.” Fisher explained.