North Carolina State University Athletics
Laughing With Levar
7/31/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 31, 2001
By Tony Haynes
Ask anyone to put together a list of great vocal impersonators and they'll probably come up with names like Rich Little, Frank Gorshin and Levar Fisher. Wait a minute, Levar Fisher?
Yes, we're talking about the same Levar Fisher who was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year last season after leading the nation in tackles. The `copy-cat' is out of the bag: NC State's all-everything linebacker does a mean impression of his coach, Chuck Amato.
During the ACC's annual preseason media gathering in Charleston, South Carolina a week or so ago, Fisher even had a group of skeptical sportswriters and broadcasters roaring with laughter as he described his fondness for copying the coach.
Of course, these much-heralded performances are rarely seen in public. Apparently, only a select few teammates and assistant coaches are permitted to witness the `show.'
"One time we were having a meeting and [Levar] got in there early to stick some padding up his shirt," said fellow linebacker Brian Jamison. "When everyone was in there, he stood up and shouted `listen up' like coach Amato. It was funny. Even the coaches were up there laughing."
Of course, one of life's embarrassing moments occurred when the man being impersonated walked in on the act. Fortunately, Jamison says, Amato also got a kick out of Fisher's efforts.
"He's (Fisher) just a true leader in my opinion," added Jamison. "Even in off-season workouts, he makes sure everyone is having a good time. He's out there making jokes and he keeps everyone on their toes. You never know what to expect from Levar Fisher."
One thing you can expect is intensity and passion on every play. With that in mind, it would be safe to assume that opposing quarterbacks and running backs will probably be hardpressed to find much humor in Levar Fisher's act this fall.
