CullmanTimes.com, Cullman, Alabama

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October 2, 2007

Cullman’s Fisher becoming productive as a wide receiver after moving from the quarterback spot

By Brandon Shields

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Cullman head football coach Mark Britton said one of the best aspects of his team is how hard each player works.

“Every guy on this team will come to work when it’s time,” Britton said. “They’ll bring their lunchbox, put on their helmet and get to it until the job is done.”

Britton said one of the seniors on the team is a good example of that work ethic as well as putting the team first.

This time last year, Christopher Fisher was the starting quarterback for the Bearcats and getting the ball to a talented group of receivers en route to a 7-5 season for the team.

Things can change in a year, and they have for Fisher as he is on the other end of the passes this season since he moved to receiver.

Fisher said the move was made after he stepped in for an injured receiver during a passing camp over the summer.

“Drew Forrest was hurt when we went to a passing camp, and Coach (Kenny) Gleaton said that we would try me out at receiver for that camp,” Fisher said. “I’ve been playing at wide receiver since.

“When we first started practice back in August I was getting as many snaps in at receiver as I was at quarterback, but now I am getting all my snaps at receiver.”

While some might expect the senior to complain about the move, Britton said Fisher willingly made the move to receiver.

“He hasn’t griped or complained one time about it,” Britton said. “And I think that is one reason why this group is seeing as much success as it is this season.

“They put the team first before what they want, and Chris is one of the best examples of that on this team.”

Fisher said he likes the move.

“There is not nearly as much to think about when playing receiver than there is at quarterback,” Fisher said. “The quarterback has to know where everyone is going at all times, and now I just need to know where I’m going on each play and try to be where I need to be and make the catch.”

While some might believe Fisher is not as involved in the game now that he is not the quarterback, he said that is not the case.

“Yeah, the quarterback takes all the snaps, but on a run play he hands it off then he’s out of the play,” Fisher said. “Now, as receiver, even on a run play I can throw a block and hit somebody and be involved downfield.”

Fisher said his experience at quarterback helps him to be a better receiver.

“I know from playing quarterback that he’s going to try to get the ball to the receiver away from the defender,” Fisher said. “I may get where I need to be, but I will have to reach one way or the other to try to make the grab.

“That’s not because it’s a bad throw or anything like that, but he’s just trying to keep the ball away from the defender. I’ll know to reach away from the guy because that is where the ball is probably going to go.”

Britton said he hopes to continue to see that kind of sacrifice for the team from each player throughout the remainder of the season and in seasons to come.

“It’s not very often that the starting quarterback for a team moves to another position, but Chris did it,” Britton said. “We needed some help at the receiver position, and he’s giving us a lot of help there.

“That is what Cullman football is all about, and I hope the other players will take notice.”

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