Getting to know Tennessee's class of 2007: No. 28, linebacker Savion Frazier

No. 27 in this year’s class, and we’re already into guys with four stars from at least one recruiting service. Vol fans, meet running back/linebacker Savion Frazier:

The Offer and Commitment

Savion Frazier is one of three Virginians in this year’s class. (The other two are C.J. Fleming and Brent Vinson.) Originally from Alabama, Frazier’s favorite school is Auburn. Still, he was thrilled when Tennessee extended an offer to him in April, 2006. "[H]e got this big expression on his face and jumped around for like 15 seconds," high school coach Joe Mangano said. "There was jubilation and more of a relief. It was nerve-wracking."

Frazier tested the waters, though, looking for certain characteristics in a college. "I want to go some place where I can win some games," Frazier said. "I would like to play in the SEC if possible. Other than that I am just looking for a good coaching staff and a team that seems to have good chemistry." He eventually received offers from Virginia Tech, Louisville, Marshall, and Duke, and was recruited by Auburn, Alabama, and Virginia, but he ultimately found that Tennessee best met his criteria, and he committed on November, 2006.

The Numbers

Frazier is a strong, tough, smart, versatile athlete with all of the right intangibles. Brawn? Yes, as he benches over 300 pounds and squats at least 500. He holds every weight room record at Gar-Field High School.

Brisk? Yep. He’s clocked a 4.4 40 time. Brains? Affirmative. He reported a 3.0 GPA in Gar-Field’s "highly challenging International Baccalaureate program." He had qualified for college as early as last November.

Frazier is also very versatile. It is little wonder that Scout describes him as a "power runner with surprising elusiveness." Although he started at quarterback as a sophomore and began his junior season at the same position, he was moved to running back after breaking several tackles on a 74-yard run. When starting at running back the final four games of that season, Frazier scored 2.8 touchdowns per game and averaged one touchdown every eight carries. Oh, and he played forward on his school’s basketball team, too. He’s projected to be an outside linebacker at Tennessee.

As a junior, Frazier rushed 90 times for 624 yards and ten touchdowns. As a senior, he played on both sides of the ball, rushing for 1,420 yards and 16 touchdowns on 201 carries on offense and compiling 50 tackles, five tackles for a loss, five sacks, three interceptions, and three forced fumbles.

According to his high school coach, Frazier possesses all of the right intangibles as well. The two-year captain is apparently the hardest worker both on the field and in the classroom. According to Frazier himself, he fears nothing, and his only weakness is losing.

All of these characteristics have led to several honors for Frazier. He was named to the Washington Post All-Metro team as a linebacker, and he was honored with All-Area, All-Region, and All-District distinctions.

Rivals rates Frazier three stars, the No. 17 prospect in Virginia, and the No. 37 linebacker nationally. Scout rates him four stars, the No. 7 prospect in the Commonwealth, and the No. 34 running back nationally. ESPN named Frazier the 65th best outside linebacker in the nation.

The Images

Looking at his videos, it’s clear that this guy is a quick, tenacious defender who can simply run over blockers on his way to the quarterback. As a running back, he displays excellent moves and speed, good vision, and an ability to break tackles. He should make a very good linebacker for Tennessee.

The Bottom Line

Savion Frazier looks like a very solid player. He’s incredibly versatile, and he excelled at the running back position for the short time he served in that role. He might not be afraid of anything, but as a linebacker for UT, he’ll strike fear into the hearts of opposing skill players.

Welcome to Tennessee, Savion Frazier.