Over the next three weeks, BSN Buffs will be breaking down our top 20 Colorado Buffaloes entering the fall of 2017. These rankings were voted on by BSN Buffs editor Jake Shapiro and staff Chase Howell and Sam Weaver.
As we voted on the Top Buffs of 2017, there was a lot of discussion as we got towards the bottom of our top 20 list. With plenty of players worthy of honorable mention or the last few slots, it is George Frazier IV who rounds out our rankings. The senior tight end is one of only a few Buffs to make this list who doesn’t boast an impressive stat sheet but contributes to the team in a variety of ways.
Frazier came to Colorado as a multi-dimensional threat, lining up on offense, defense and special teams over his years as a Buffalo. As a freshman, he scored a rushing touchdown, three receiving touchdowns, and compiled 15 total tackles, a tackle for loss and a pass defended on the other side of the ball. His ability to contribute to every facet of the game is a key part of his value.
The Buffs rarely use their tight ends as pass catchers, and Frazier has only 66 yards and four touchdowns on 11 catches over his career at Colorado. Last season was his least productive receiving year to date, with zero catches in 2016. But the Buffs use their tight ends as blockers, and Frazier shined in this capacity, proving particularly useful to the run game last year.
Equally important to his team-first mentality and willingness to contribute as a blocker are Frazier’s leadership skills. This spring, he was selected as a team captain for the second consecutive season (one of only ten Colorado players to earn the honor twice).
Frazier’s contributions in 2017 may not as flashy as some of the other athletes on this list, but they are necessary. He will likely be used primarily in blocking roles once again, helping to pave the way for offensive weapons like rusher Phil Lindsay. Whether he participates as a pass-catching tight end or on defense this season or not (he lined up on both side of the ball in spring practice), Frazier will be an important part of the Buffs’ success. With last year’s defensive leaders now playing in the NFL, and a rising class of senior offensive weapons set to leave their mark on the program. Frazier’s leadership will be more essential than ever.
