There are two types of players, when looking on from the outside, in the game of football. The one who surprises you because of how goofy he looks or how hard he plays. And the others who you expect to be good because of one’s size or athletic ability. In rare occasions, do you find “that player” fitting the mold of both categories. Those become the special ones.
Sophomore Josh Frazier does just that. Whether it’s on the field or off the field, Frazier gets noticed by peers and scouts in a similar sense.
Many onlookers this season mistook Frazier as a senior, of how big he is and by hard he plays. A 6 foot-5 inch, 315-pound defensive tackle is hard to miss, and fans did not.
In school, it’s the same story. Fellow students take notice to Frazier as he walks down the halls and roams the lunchroom to mingle with more than one table.
“I like to talk to everyone,” said Frazier. “I don’t want to just hang out in one particular group, because I want to meet new people and be a friend to everyone.”
Junior defensive teammate Hunter Patrick believes Frazier is a “big ole’ teddy bear,” anywhere and everywhere he walks.
Frazier grew up with his two sisters and his mom. His father was not around.
“Not having my dad around has probably made me a better person,” said Frazier. “My mom has taught me a lot about being a man and how to treat others with respect.”
Even though Frazier is just a sophomore, it doesn’t mean he hasn’t thought about the future. If life were without football, Frazier wants to have the “best education possible and to be a leader for those around.”
As for life on the field, Frazier has a long road ahead of him.
“I still have a long time before I start thinking about most of that stuff,” said Frazier. “But I talk with the coaches all the time about my future with and without football.”
And what’s scary is that Frazier has a desire to become a better person, and football player.
“We all try to have the best work ethic as possible to show him [Josh] that hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t always work,” said Patrick.
Frazier made the VYPE All-Sophomore Team early this year to put him on the map as one of the best players in the Class of 2014 in Arkansas.
“He [Josh] just has to let his actions do the talking and be a good person on and off the field,” said Patrick. “And he’ll get where he wants to go, and beyond.”
The sky is the limit for this young sophomore.
“Every time I step on the field, I want to play my best to help my team win and get to that state championship,” said Frazier. “Going hard every single play is what it’s all about.”
