Zach Frazier on Striving to Uphold Steelers Tradition, Why He Fits Franchise Mentality

But Frazier is well aware of the true reason the Steelers drafted him, and it has nothing to do with where he’s from or played college football, it’s about making the team better for the foreseeable future.

“I think it’s just knowing that there’s a high standard of offensive line play here, and that’s just gonna make me work that much harder to keep and uphold that standard.”

Even for such an accomplished athlete with so many people saying was assured to be drafted, Frazier did bring up the last play of his WVU career as adversity he had to overcome. While his presence of mind helped allow his team to win a game and impressed NFL scouts, it did lead him to miss a bowl game and undergo offseason surgery.

Frazier appeared in 47 games for the Mountaineers over a four-year span. Frazier’s career at West Virginia came to an end when he suffered a leg injury during the Baylor game on Nov. 25. He managed to get himself off of the field, avoiding a loss of time on the clock late in the game and impressing NFL scouts in the process. The Fairmont, W.Va. native capped off his Mountaineer career as an All-American and finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy.

The interview closed with Frazier answering why he feels he fits as a Pittsburgh Steeler. “I play with toughness and grit and I think that’s how the Steelers have played throughout the years.”

Frazier also discussed becoming a Steeler with the media soon after hearing his name called on Friday night.

“I know how much O-line means to the Pittsburgh Steelers and their long tradition there of having great offensive linemen and great offensive lines, so it’s special,” said the Fairmont, W.Va. native when asked being the second offensive lineman taken by the Steelers through the first two rounds of the draft.

Frazier also touched on the challenge of being part of a young offensive line in Pittsburgh that will be expected to perform to a high level right away.

“I think you just have to trust in the guy next to you. For me, making all the calls at center and making sure we all on the same page. I think that’s just built through reps and I’m ready to get started working on it.”

Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith offered his thoughts about drafting Frazier with the 51st overall pick in the second round.

“It’s a rarity you find a guy with this kind of pedigree in second round. He’s been a high achiever his whole life,” said Smith to the media, including our partners at Steelers Now, immediately following the selection of Frazier.

Frazier appeared in 47 games for the Mountaineers over a four-year span. Frazier’s career at West Virginia came to an end when he suffered a leg injury during the Baylor game on Nov. 25. He managed to get himself off of the field, avoiding a loss of time on the clock late in the game and impressing NFL scouts in the process. The Fairmont, W.Va. native capped off his Mountaineer career as an All-American and finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy.

The Steelers were rumored to be interested in Frazier throughout the entire draft process. Smith was hired as Pittsburgh’s new offensive coordinator this offseason.

WVU head coach Neal Brown showered Frazier with praise once it was clear his college career was over, highlighting how much his final play shows his intelligence as a player.

“I can’t say enough about Zach Frazier. So appreciative of him and his family. I think one play sums up who he is for his entire career, and I just hope our fanbase, a young man from Fairmont, I think he’s the best center in college football,” said Brown.

Click here for Frazier’s complete draft profile.