After-school fun: Frasier rushing into Princeton record books

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on September 19, 2013 1:47 PM

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Johnny Frasier searched for something to keep him busy after school two years ago. Now, he's starting to etch his name in the Princeton High School football record books.

Frasier had never played football prior to joining the Bulldogs' junior varsity team as freshman in 2011. He played offense, defense and special teams that season and learned a lot about life on the gridiron.

"When I get out of school I don't have much to do," Frasier said. "I didn't want to get in trouble. That first year everything was brand new. It turned out to be a good year and as the time came I developed more of an eye or a feeling for football, and I just got more and more determined."

A year ago, Frasier rushed for 1,792 yards and 21 touchdowns to help Princeton reach the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 1-A (small-school) eastern championship game. He turned in a breakout sophomore season despite injuries that lingered throughout the year.

A commitment to the weight room this summer has contributed to Frasier's ability to withstand the beating that comes with being a starting tailback. Frasier's added strength has allowed him to turn short carries into long runs. Seven of his 11 touchdown runs this season have been of 30 or more yards.

"He's able to withstand hits a lot more this year," Bulldogs' head coach Derrick Minor said. "Before he had some injuries and he had some hesitancy. This season there are runs that are going for touchdowns instead of small gains."

Frasier's versatility has paid dividends for Princeton both offensively and on special teams. He leads the Bulldogs in receiving with 12 catches for 236 yards and two touchdowns. Frasier took his first career punt return back 65 yards for a touchdown in last week's 45-32 comeback win at North Johnston.

"Johnny catching the ball adds another dimension to our offense," Minor said. "He can go out for a pass or run the ball. We can line him up all over the field and the defense has to figure out where No. 22 is.

"Johnny returning kicks gives us another opportunity to get the ball in the hands of our best athlete."

Frasier has high expectations of himself during his second varsity season. His goal is to rush for 2,000 yards and 45 touchdowns. He would be the first Bulldogs' running back since Mike Atkinson in the late 1970s to achieve that accomplishment.

Through four games this season, Frasier has rushed for 744 yards and averages more than nine yards per carry.

"We're one big family so when I have success I look at it as team success," Frasier said. "My offensive linemen are my best friends and we talk about everything. My goals are their goals and when I score my linemen score."