West Virginia center Zach Frazier has attacked his rehab process like no other. More than three months removed from surgery, Frazier attended the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. Frazier's participation was altered, but he miraculously took part in position drills and the bench press at the combine, putting up a position-fourth-best 30 reps. Frazier also gained a wealth of knowledge through team meetings in Mobile and Indianapolis.
Frazier recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Frazier discussed his scheme fit in various offenses, his favorite play to run in the playbook, run blocking versus pass protection, and so much more.
JM: You continue to make amazing progress after undergoing surgery for a season-ending injury. Your participation at this year's Senior Bowl and NFL Combine was limited as a result, although you were amazingly able to compete in certain drills in Indianapolis such as the bench press. What were your main takeaways from the pre-draft events?
Zach Frazier: Unfortunately I wasn’t able to participate physically in every aspect like I wanted to. Playing in the Senior Bowl was always a huge dream of mine. Given what happened, I wasn’t yet cleared for contact at that moment. Jim Nagy was nice enough to let me come down and sit in the meetings. I learned so much football knowledge. I also met with some teams. It was a great experience.
JM: Being a non-contact participant at the Senior Bowl placed extra emphasis on your interviews. You likely met with every team in attendance. What was that process like?
Zach Frazier: I had a terrific opportunity to meet with NFL teams. Each interview lasted approximately 10 minutes. It’s like speed dating (laughs). You just kind of go from team to team. Most of the interviews featured some basic get-to-know-you questions. They asked about my background. It was a lot of fun.
JM: There's a 100% injury rate when playing professional football. What has this rehab process taught you about adversity?
Zach Frazier: Injuries overall have taught me how to attack rehab. I actually tore my meniscus against Iowa State during my junior season. I had to have it repaired after the season. That was the offseason going into my senior year.
I’m familiar with injuries. They happen in this sport. It’s a violent sport, but I think I’ve always been someone that attacks rehab very well. I’ve always been able to recover from my injuries better than I was before.
JM: I’d agree because your senior season was probably your best season on tape. What is your favorite aspect of playing the center position?
Zach Frazier: I like being in control of the offense. I love making the calls up front and communicating them down the line. That’s really my biggest thing. I want to make sure we’re on the same page up front. Even if I’m wrong, I still have to make sure that everybody is on the same page (laughs). If I’m wrong, but we’re all wrong together, the play still has a chance to work.
JM: What's the most challenging aspect of playing center?
Zach Frazier: Center is different from guard and tackle. I think there’s a lot more preparation that goes into it on a weekly basis. You have to be prepared for every situation and scenario that may arise. You have to understand which calls to make. You need to study a lot more film than maybe a guard or tackle has to. I’d say the preparation for a center is different from the rest of the offensive line.
JM: Do you feel as if you're more advanced as a run blocker or in pass protection at this point in time?
Zach Frazier: I would just answer that question by saying run blocking is my favorite thing to do. I love lining up and teeing off on someone (laughs). Of course, I like to pass protect as well. I just love being physical as a run blocker. It’s my favorite thing to do. I like to pass block, too.
JM: Every lineman does. I’ve never had a linemen tell me they prefer to pass protect over run block. What's your favorite play to run in the playbook and why?
Zach Frazier: My favorite play? I like to pull. One of my coaches inserted some plays into our playbook where I was able to pull during my junior and senior seasons. Anytime I get that chance to set the tone up front for my team with those blocks, I love to do it. Whenever I get the chance to pull, that’s my favorite play. I’m excited to do it.
JM: Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong. West Virginia had a lot of success running that wide-zone offense with you at the helm. Do you feel like that's your best fit at the next level?
Zach Frazier: I feel like I can do everything because we did a little bit of everything. This past season, you’re right about that, we were very good at executing those outside zone plays. In years prior, we were more of a counter and gap scheme offense. We were also inside zone heavy in past years.
I feel like I can do it all because I’ve played in multiple offenses. I really like all of them as well. I don’t prefer one to the other. I love every scheme I’ve played in. There’s not one I love more than the other. I can run inside and outside zone, gap scheme, you name it. I like it all.
JM: We love your versatility. We've appreciated your time today. This has been an outstanding conversation. When a team drafts Zach Frazier with a top 50 pick, what kind of guy are they getting?
Zach Frazier: They’re getting a tough, physical player. I’m going to put my best foot forward and give it everything I have. I’m going to give everything to the organization that drafts me. I’m going to be the ultimate pro both on and off the field.
