19 Lance Frazier

Hometown: Delray Beach, FL

Career: 2000-2003

Record: 27-22, Bowl Record: 1-2

Lance Frazier is shining example of why recruiting Florida is so vital to the success of West Virginia football. Frazier brought his speed and athleticism to Morgantown, originally to play for Coach Don Nehlen. Frazier got his break for Coach Nehlen’s squad during his freshman season, as a dime package defender. Frazier made the highlight film during his limited playing time, intercepting two passes and taking one back for a touchdown. With the coaching change in 2001, Frazier was given the additional responsibility of returning punts. Frazier would continue to return punts and move to starting cornerback during his junior season in 2002. Frazier was beaten out for the punt return job his senior season by Pacman Jones. The move to play Frazier exclusively at cornerback (opposite of Jones) paid dividends for the Mountaineers defense. Frazier had a monster campaign, intercepting five passes and making 67 tackles. Frazier totaled some impressive statistics for his Mountaineer career with 8 interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 192 tackles, and a punt return touchdown. Frazier has had mixed success at the professional level. While he could not seem to find a home in the NFL, he has done well as a consistent player in the CFL and AFL. For those of you who have not seen CFL football, enjoy the clip of Frazier playing in Canada.

Memorable Game: Lance Frazier received limited return opportunities during his senior season with the emergence of Pacman Jones. One of the few opportunities he did have, came against Temple. Frazier would make the most of his chance, returning the punt for a touchdown. Frazier’s return touchdown was one of many for the Mountaineers against the hapless Owls. West Virginia scored quickly from short fields against Temple. While the Owls would ultimately outgained the Mountaineers, Temple would give up 4 turnovers on the day. In the end, West Virginia just outpaced Temple, winning 45-28.

Competition: Surprisingly, there are not as many stud players at #19 as I would have expected. This number is wildly popular with receivers and defensive backs across the country, but this has not been the case with West Virginia. Frazier got the nod over players like Vaughn Rivers and Wayne Brown based largely on statistics. I really was leaning towards Vaughn Rivers initially, but Frazier was a consistent defender for the Mountaineers where Rivers was much more of a special teams threat.

Teaser: Tomorrow we feature a stellar wide receiver from Piscataway, NJ. I know what you all are thinking, “there is no way he can reference another Jay and Silent Bob movie.” Well, you would be correct, however, I can reference another Kevin Smith movie. My wife’s personal favorite: Zack and Miri Make a Porno.