PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Steelers went into the NFL Draft wanting to continue to rebuild the offensive line. After taking tackle Troy Fautanu in the first round, the Steelers take a center who grew up a couple of hours away.
West Virginia center Zach Frazier falls to the Steelers with the 51st overall selection in the second round Friday night.
A two-time All-American at West Virginia, he was praised for his toughness during his four years in Morgantown. Over the past two seasons he allowed one sack and the Mountaineers keep a stat they call knockdowns, according to that metric, he knocked 170 defensive players down over the last three seasons.
Frazier said at the NFL Combine that he enjoyed ‘putting people to the ground’.
He is aware of the Steelers need at center and the tradition, but growing up in Fairmont, West Virginia, he wasn’t a Steelers fan. He grew up loving the Dolphins as his father was from Florida. His dad was recruited to play center at Fairmont State and stayed there after meeting his mom. His dad loved the Dolphins, he’s named for Hall of Fame linebacker Zach Thomas. It’s why he wears number 54.
The 6’3”, 315-pound Frazier said his father taught him all the techniques growing up while his mom taught him the mental toughness and the nutrition discipline. He also learned a lot from wrestling. Frazier was a four-time state heavyweight champion, losing two matches his entire career. He said every team he’s met with asked him about the wrestling, so he believes it’s an advantage.
He believes he carries that physical ability with the preparation needed at the position. Frazier said he works hard at studying opponents to find any weakness and is ready to make those line calls at the next level. If it were up to him, his offense wouldn’t have to throw.
“Run blocking is definitely my favorite,” Frazier said. “I like it when you can tee off on some people. Pass blocking is fun, but if it were up to me, I’d run the ball all day.”