Jake Fischer is the ‘rock’ of the defense. Photo by Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Wildcats middle linebacker Jake Fischer, rehabbing an ankle injury suffered at Washington on Sept. 28, is listed as questionable on the team’s official injury report, released Tuesday.
Fischer, a senior, has made 20 tackles and intercepted one pass this season.
“Jake’s biggest deal is he’s probably the most conscientious guy we have on the team, offense or defense,” coach Rich Rodriguez said.
“He wants to know everything that everybody is doing. He helps get people lined up, so he’s the unquestioned leader on that side of the ball. They know he’s the rock in the middle.”
If Fischer can’t go, junior Hank Hobson is next in line.
Fischer was the only player listed on UA’s injury report, other than receiver Austin Hill, who continues to be out because of an ACL tear suffered late in spring ball. There remains some hope that he could play near the end of the season.
Meanwhile, USC All-American receiver Marqise Lee is “very questionable” to play Thursday night because of a knee sprain, interim head coach Ed Orgeron told reporters Monday night.
“He’s such a special talent,” Rodriguez said. “We didn’t have an answer for him last year.”
Lee caught 16 passes for a Pac-12-record 345 yards and two touchdowns against the Wildcats last season.
“The biggest thing was yards after catch,” Arizona linebacker Marquis Flowers said. “Once he caught the ball, we couldn’t get him to the ground.”
Although it appears that Lee will have to sit Thursday night, Flowers added, “We have to prepare like he is going to play.”