Colorado University Athletics
Versatile Frazier Preps For Senior Season
June 13, 2017 | Football
BOULDER — Just about every member of the Colorado football team is currently engaged in summer strength and conditioning sessions, working on specific drills that will make them better at their specific position.
But Buffs senior George Frazier isn't limiting his drills. He can't. The two-time CU captain is preparing to play offense (tight end/H-back), defense (defensive line) and special teams (he's played on every kicking team at some point). While he's not sure where he will play or what position — he played on both sides of the ball in spring practices — he is making sure he will  be ready for anything and everything when fall camp rolls around.
Frazier is a rarity in today's college football world for a number of reasons.
One is the fact that he has played on both sides of the ball in college. In his three previous seasons, he has recorded 15 tackles on defense (including three for loss) and one pass defended, while also scoring four touchdowns rushing and another receiving. He's also been among the team leaders in special teams production each year, and has proven to be a quality blocker, particularly in goal-line situations.
But what might be most impressive about Frazier is the respect he has earned from his teammates. While his statistics — on either side of the ball — are by no means eye-popping, the fact that he is a two-time team captain as selected by his teammates is a testimony to his importance to the team on the field and in the locker room.
Time and again, Frazier has earned the praise of head coach Mike MacIntyre. CU's coaches are well-aware of the leadership qualities Frazier brings to the table, particularly when it comes to setting examples of accountability and responsibility in every area —  on and off the field.
Frazier doesn't talk the talk — he walks the walk.
Now, the young man with the quick grin and contagious smile is preparing for one more season with the Buffs. To no one's surprise, his goals don't include personal achievement as much as they do team pursuits. That's why he has been more than a little outspoken already in summer workouts.
"We know we have to grow as a team," Frazier said. "We have to grow to be better than we were last year, and I'll be honest — we have a long way to go. I'm not going to lie. But I'm also very confident in the players that we have and the talent level that is here. We have the potential to be very good."
A year ago, CU's seniors were quietly voicing the same message — but in the wake of a decade of disappointing results, not many on the outside were listening.
This year, after a 10-4 record and Pac-12 South title in 2016, expectations have increased. Players within the program know that to meet or exceed those expectations, they have to meet or exceed the standard set last summer by the 2016 seniors.
"I think last summer really set the bar very high in terms of what we expected and where we thought we needed to be," Frazier said. "By the end of the summer, we knew where we were and what we had to do to keep moving forward. It definitely set a great blueprint for us and I think it's something we have to do again this summer if it's going to launch us into the upcoming season."
The Buffs find themselves in an interesting position when it comes to expectations. While they have grown dramatically within the Colorado fan base, the expectations from the outside — the national media — is that CU will take a significant step back after losing a host of seniors to graduation.
"We know we're not getting a lot of respect from anybody on the outside, and that's understandable," Frazier said. "But a lot of our guys on this team still remember the losses and tough times. They remember the struggle to get to this point and I don't think anyone here is ready to go backward. I think we all know the hard work that is required to get wins."
As for his individual goals, Frazier shrugs and grins.
"I want to play wherever I can help the team out," he said. "Offense, defense special teams — I'll do it all if I have to. I really don't care. I'm going to put my part into a lot of different areas if that's what the team needs. I'm going to work as hard as I can this offseason so I know I'll be in shape when camp opens and be ready to do my part. I anticipate playing both ways, but it all comes down to what the head man feels. If he believes I can handle it, I think he will let me do it."
Meanwhile, he'll do his best to make sure the summer workouts are everything the Buffs need to head into fall camp with a full head of steam, physically and mentally.
"The hunger is still there," Frazier said. "It's just a matter of pointing that hunger in the right direction and making sure people understand what you have to do in order to be successful. You have to have that hunger continue to drive you to do the right things. Everybody here wants to win. I can't wait for camp to start, and I think most of the team is right there with me."
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
