Conway standout Michael Frazier used his speed to wreak havoc all over the field during his stellar prep career. Now he's headed to a college program that prides itself on playing faster than all of its opponents.
Frazier committed this weekend to Appalachian State, winners of three of the last four FCS national championships, where he is expected to showcase his versatility at strong safety.
The 5-foot-11, 205 pounder, who was named the Toast of the Coast Defensive Player of the Year in December, was perhaps the area's most versatile defensive player, using his 4.5 speed to cover receivers while also holding his own at the point of attack.
``I like their style of defense,'' said Frazier, who visited Appalachian State earlier this month. ``They don't look at the size. They just look at the player. Some schools judge you just on how big you are. They look at how you play and just find football players out of the bunch.
``I felt like I meshed with the players and the recruits that were there. They treated me like I was a member of the family, even though I was wasn't committed yet.''
Frazier had narrowed his list of suitors to Appalachian State and Middle Tennessee, an FBS member of the Sunbelt Conference. He said he was already leaning toward Appalachian State when two family names convinced him it was fate.
His grandfather's name is William Boone. Boone, N.C., is the home of Appalachian State. His grandmother's maiden name was Moore. The Mountaineers are coached by Jerry Moore.
