Zach Frazier, a Fairmont, W.Va., native and a four-year starter at WVU, is going to likely hear his named called in the early round of the NFL Draft.
What they’re getting though is more than just the center position he plays on the field. They’re getting a relentless worker off the field and a true leader as well.
“They’re going to get a great teammate, tremendous human being, first and foremost. And that’s not everybody, but that’s him. You’re going to get someone that has a work ethic both in the film room, weight room, practice field that’s unmatched,” West Virginia head coach Neal Brown said.
Brown has been around Frazier from his first snap in college to his last. His first came in 2020, when he was the first true freshman to start on the offensive line since 1980 for the Mountaineers. It culminated in him being a two-time All-American, and his last snap coming as he hobbled off the field to save WVU time as they went on a late game-winning drive against Baylor last seasonÂ
“I firmly believe he’s going to be a starter in the National Football League from year one and for as long as he’s physically able to play. I think he’s worthy of a very early draft pick. He’s got physical tools, plays with great leverage, his hands are extremely strong. Schematically, he’s advanced as anybody that’s in his class. He’s going to be physically and mentally ready to play at the highest level,” Brown said.
For anyone that has been around Frazier, his quiet and calm demeanor is something that initially stands out. According to Brown though, Frazier’s ability to communicate has been what’s improved the most during his career.
“The biggest jump he made is his ability to communicate. He can get up here (at a press conference), this isn’t his natural element, but he can get up here and communicate in a press setting. He can get up in front of his teammates and talk. He can get in front of a position meeting. I got very good feedback on his meetings with the NFL Personnel. I think that’s his biggest growth,” Brown said.
Frazier turned into an All-American at the center position despite not playing that position in high school.
“If you talk about on the field, he never played center in high school. As a sophomore, junior, and then his fourth year, his snaps got increasingly better and that was something he never had to do,” Brown said. “He’s always been a natural strong guy, he’s always played with great leverage and I think that goes to his wrestling background. His football knowledge, and that was through our staff here, but also him just being diligent and working on it and understanding what defenses are doing. We probably did as good a job as I’ve ever been around is getting our people on the most dangerous defensive threats and he’s making those identifications.”
Whether Zach Frazier is lucky enough to hear his name called on Thursday night in round one, or Friday night in rounds two and three, Frazier will be on an NFL roster very soon.
