There's something about Levar Fisher. Something that makes him stand out, not only among his teammates, but among the thousands of college football players in the entire nation.
He's tougher than most, stronger than many, and is one of the fastest outside linebackers in his league. He leads N.C. State (3-3, 1-3 ACC) by example. "Fish" distinguishes himself off the field as well: He was an All-ACC academic performer his sophomore year and holds three Wolfpack records for strength and speed.
His coaches and teammates say that Fisher's most distinctive quality is his remarkable toughness. On Oct. 13 against Clemson, the senior linebacker sprained his anterior cruciate ligament and was forced to leave the game. Less than a week later, he was back in full force against Georgia Tech, tearing into the Yellow Jacket offense with 20 tackles despite being slowed down by a knee brace.
"I'm no pessimist, but I was very pessimistic on Levar Fisher," N.C. State coach Chuck Amato said. "A week ago, I thought he was finished ... Then, for it just to be a boo-boo" is a testament to Fisher's strength.
"I wouldn't call it heroic," Fisher said. "I would call it blessed to be able to get back out there."
"It just shows what a tremendous athlete he is," Wolfpack senior linebacker Brian Jamison said. "He may have even proved some of the doctors wrong."
The doctors may have gotten what they deserved by betting against a player with a reputation like Fisher's. He ended last season as a first-team All-American and as the ACC defensive player of the year.
Just last week, Fisher was named as a semifinalist for the Butkus Award, which is presented to the nation's best linebacker each year.
His statistics speak even louder. He led the nation with 15 tackles per game last year, and his 94 tackles this season have him on pace to surpass that record.
Fisher is seventh in team history for career stops, and he is climbing fast. Last season, he was ranked second in the ACC in fumbles forced with five.
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He lifts 380 pounds on the incline and can do 71 dips and 42 chin-ups, making him first in his weight class in all of those categories. The 6-2, 233-pound linebacker also runs the 40-yard dash in 4.55 seconds.
The knee brace may slow Fisher down a bit against Virginia this weekend, even if it seemed to have little effect on his play last week.
"I felt so much slower out there," Fisher said. "It felt like it weighed about 100 pounds, but it was for my safety and I know I have to wear it."
Brace or no brace, Fisher was happy to be back on the field against the Yellow Jackets:
"I had so much fun," he said. "It was like a second chance to play football. It was like a second chance at life."
After witnessing a career as strong as Fisher's, N.C. State coach Chuck Amato feels he's seen it all.
"Nothing amazes me that Levar Fisher does," Amato said.
Fisher, however, thinks things are just beginning.
"My dreams are coming true," Fisher said of his selection as a Butkus semi-finalist. "This is something I've dreamed about and I've prayed about and now it's coming to pass."
When he graduates with a degree in mass communications this year, Fisher hopes to play in the NFL. Otherwise, or afterward, he sees himself working as a sports broadcaster.
But for now, his teammates look to him for inspiration, as much for what he does as for what he says.
"As a leader, you have to get out there and do something," Fisher said. "Otherwise, you're a hypocrite."
If 20 tackles on a sprained knee is what the N.C. State players need for motivation, then they have found the man for the job in Levar Fisher.
"There's something about that young man," Amato said with admiration. "There really is."
The Wolfpack hope that this something will shine against the Cavaliers on Saturday.
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