Frazier's hard work paying off

NWA Media/MICHAEL WOODS --08/17/2013-- Springdale Har-Ber football player Josh Frazier

Springdale Har-Ber defensive tackle Josh Frazier worked hard on his conditioning and the results show in his ability to stay on the field longer and being more productive.

“I had problems breathing and getting into shape,” Frazier said. “I’m running with all of the guys now and keeping up with everybody.

The 6-foot-4-inch Frazier is now weighing in at 308 pounds after tipping the scales at about 340 last year.

He was named the Wildcats’ Overall Player of the Game in a 45-20 loss to Bentonville on Friday after recording 3 unassisted tackles, 2 assisted tackles and a sack. Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema was in attendance.

“It’s really amazing to see how far I’m come with my body weight and gaining muscle mass and shredding the fat and getting as lean as a I can,” Frazier said. “So I can keep playing and playing and it’s showing right now.”

Frazier, who attended Arkansas’ game against Texas A&M, doesn’t plan to make an official visit to Arkansas because of making numerous visits and the familiarity with the program.

He officially visited the Aggies on Sept. 14 and has plans to make official visits to Nebraska, Southern Cal, Alabama and Auburn.

“I’m doing the rest of them in November and December,” Frazier said. “For right now, I’’m just focused on winning a championship.”

The Wildcats also feature defensive end Jake Hall, who has offers from Louisiana-Monroe and Cincinnati and promising junior defensive lineman Rickey Dobbins, 6-2 1/2, 308 pounds.

“I’m trying to help him too,” said Frazier of Dobbins. “Because I was in his shoes. I see him out there getting tired and I’m just like ‘Rickey, finish, finish, finish’.”

Frazier is high on Dobbins’ talent.

“He’s one amazing player,” Frazier said. “I‘ll tell you that right now. He’s awesome. We just have to keep pushing Rickey to keep getting better but he’s doing really well right now.”