University of Arkansas basketball Coach Eric Musselman and the Razorbacks’ 75-73 victory over then No. 6 ranked Kentucky caught the attention of a sophomore football target.
Linebacker Makhi Frazier, who plans to visit Fayetteville on Saturday, caught the game on TV and was very impressed by the enthusiasm of the Arkansas fans.
“The environment was pretty lit,” Frazier said. “I want to have a fan base behind me and in everything I do. The fan base is good.”
Frazier, 5-11, 205 pounds, of McKinney, Texas, has scholarship offers from Arkansas, Utah State and Northern Arizona, and he is drawing interest from Texas and Baylor. Frazier has been talking to linebackers coach Michael Scherer about his upcoming trip to Fayetteville.
“Coming down there and getting the full experience and getting to know the coaches and the staff,” Frazier said of their conversations.
He received his offer from the Razorbacks on Jan. 27. Arkansas being an early offer is big to Frazier.
“It was huge. It was a blessing to be able to receive that kind of offer, an SEC offer,” Frazier said. “That’s one of the schools I really want to go to.”
McKinney Coach Marcus Shavers, who lettered as a defensive lineman for the Razorbacks from 2005-07, has talked up his alma mater.
“He has told me about how great the program is, the chance to play tough football in the SEC and how going there was one of the best experiences of his life,” Frazier said.
Frazier recorded 75 tackles, 5 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, 6 forced fumbles and 1 pass breakup this past season. He also rushed 12 times for 115 yards and 3 touchdowns operating in the Wildcat formation.
“I love to go hit people,” Frazier said. “I like to be physical. I like to see how physical I can be without getting a flag.”
Shavers believes Frazier is one of the top sophomore prospects in the nation.
“Makhi Frazier is an extremely talented football player, hard working,” Shavers said. “I think he’s one of the best football players in all of the country. When I say football players, I mean it. I think he’s a guy I really think can excel at the next level as a running back and also a guy that can excel at the next level as a linebacker.”
When Frazier announced his offer from the Razorbacks on Twitter, Arkansas fans voiced their approval.
He is considering majoring in business and marketing with an eye on entering the real estate field after his playing days are over.