News-Argus Offensive Player-of-the-Year -- Johnny Frasier

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on December 22, 2013 1:52 AM

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Princeton's coaching staff didn't blink an eye when heralded running back Johnny Frasier listed 45 rushing touchdowns as one of his goals this season.

They all believed him.

A humble and confident athlete, Frasier not only accomplished his objective but began an astonishing assault on the record books as well. The 5-foot-11, 198-pounder broke several program marks set by Princeton alum Mike Atkinson, and etched his name into the N.C. High School Athletic Association history book, too.

"We've learned that if he (Frasier) says it, he's going to do it," second-year PHS head coach Derrick Minor said. "He's put the work into it and we knew he was going to have a breakout year. He's learned the game, gotten smarter at his position and realized he can take some hits.

"Everything is starting to click for him."

But Frasier, who has been tabbed the News-Argus All-Area Offensive Player-of-the-Year, wasn't too secure in his abilities just 12 short months ago. Injuries and not enough work in the weight room proved frustrating.

Minor said Frasier started to find his groove during the Bulldogs' run to the NCHSAA 1-A eastern championship game in 2012. Instead of trying to break outside and out-race the opponent's secondary, he learned to lower his shoulder and trust his blockers as he bullied his way through the line.

The late-season success carried over into the spring track season and summer-long workouts. Frasier emerged a bigger, stronger and faster athlete who gained attention long before the Bulldogs kicked off their 2013 campaign.

And, he's barely scraped the iceberg as far as potential.

"He's got the physical tools," Minor said. "The Lord has definitely blessed him and his ability is unbelievable. He's probably one of the best running backs I've ever coached.

"He's amazing to watch."

Frasier wasn't much fun to opposing defensive coordinators this past fall. His versatility opened up the game for his teammates, who gained some confidence of their own on the field.

Princeton finished 9-4 overall and dropped a season-ending game to eventual state champion James Kenan in the second round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1-AA playoffs. Frasier concluded the year with single-season records in rushing yards (3,042), rushing touchdowns (45), total touchdowns (50), points in a single game (50), touchdowns in a single game (8) and yards in a single game (410).

His career numbers are just as impressive -- 5,583 yards, 66 rushing TDs, 73 total TDs, 442 total points and 5,868 total all-purpose yards.

Frasier understands the impact he's had on and off the field, but credits his teammates for his success.

"You can't do it by yourself," said Frasier, who has received offers from Duke, N.C. State, North Carolina, Penn State and Northwestern -- just to name a few.

"It's an 11-man game and 11 people on the field have to do their part for a play to be successful. It's a team effort and not just one single person."