HCS Interview With West Virginia Offensive Lineman Zach Frazier on His Experience, Expectations and QB Battle
When you think of football players in the Big 12 Conference, who comes to mind? Typically, the quarterbacks get all the love, but what about offensive linemen? They are the unsung heroes of any football team because they never get the recognition they deserve.
During Big 12 Media Days, I got the chance to speak with West Virginia offensive lineman Zach Frazier one-on-one. Zach has started over 30 games in his career and was named as a preseason All-American by ESPN on their Way-Too-Early All-American team. I never had talked with Zach prior to the interview, and he had some great answers. It’s easy to see why so many people within the West Virginia program like him. During our chat, we talked about this year’s team along with a few fun things thrown in. Enjoy!
HCS: How does the experience you have help you going into this season?
Zach: “I have played a lot of games. I feel very confident in myself and my ability. I feel like I have seen a lot of things and I think that helps. The more you play as an offensive lineman the more you learn. I think that’s really what young offensive linemen need is reps.”
HCS: What progressions have you seen from quarterbacks Garrett Greene and Nicco Marchiol going into the season?
Zach: “I have seen a big jump from both of them. From day one, Garrett came in with me and Nicco came in last year. It’s great to see them grow as people and as football players. They get better every day, and I am just excited to see what they can do this year.”
HCS: Speaking of this year, you guys were picked to finish last by the media. Does that fire you up?
Zach: “If getting picked last doesn’t fire you up a little bit then you are doing something wrong. It’s not about how you start; it’s about how you finish. We are just going to use that as motivation and take it one game at a time.”
HCS: How do you personally like to prepare for a game?
Zach: “It’s a lot of film study. I sit down with coach Moore every week to go over plays and personnel. It’s a lot of watching who you are going against and what the other team is good at doing. It’s a lot of preparation. To me, it’s more mental than physical.
HCS: Do you have a pregame ritual that you have to do before every game?
Zach: “I am not superstitious at all. So, nothing too crazy.”
HCS: What is your favorite place to eat in Morgantown?
Zach: “Mario’s fishbowl. Got to get the wings.”
HCS: Is wings your favorite food?
Zach: “Steak. But those wings at Mario’s are really good.”
HCS: How do you like your steak?
Zach: “Rare to medium rare. It’s got to be pink.”
HCS: Who is your favorite NFL team?
Zach: “I grew up a Miami Dolphins fan. I have always liked them.”
HCS: Why the Dolphins?
Zach: “My dad is from Florida, so he has been a Dolphins fan his whole life. My parents named me after Zach Thomas and that is why I wear the number 54.”
