The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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46 THE WOLVERINE FEBRUARY 2023 BY EJ HOLLAND A sk former players what it means to be a Michigan Man, and the answers will certainly vary. One theme, however, remains a constant — brotherhood. Once you don the winged hel- met, you enter a fraternity unlike any other in the country. The family feeling doesn't stop when you leave Ann Arbor. It stays with you for the rest of your life. And oftentimes, that passion for Michigan is passed down to the next generation. "Michigan was always on the TV growing up," said On300 of- fensive lineman Blake Frazier from Austin (Texas) Vandegrift. "It's hard to not learn to love a team that you are always watch- ing, so that's been interesting in my recruitment. My dad is try- ing not to be biased." Frazier has established him- self as a premier offensive tackle recruit and happens to be one of three high-profile Michigan legacy recruits in the 2024 recruiting class. The trio also features On300 Harper Woods (Mich.) High defensive back Jacob Oden and three-star Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day wide receiver Channing Goodwin. With Michigan turning the page to the next cycle, it is imperative for the Wolverines to land all three legacy re- cruits to build a strong foundation for the class. Legacies like 2022 prize Will Johnson, the son of former defensive back Deon Johnson, take extra pride in playing for the University of Michigan and live by the "Leaders and Best" man- tra. Coming off back-to-back Big Ten titles and College Football Playoff ap- pearances, there is no reason why the Wolverines shouldn't be able to land the next wave of Michigan Men. Maize and Blue is in their blood. TEXAS TOUGH Frazier (6-foot-5, 260) is the highest ranked of the three legacies, checking in as the No. 14 offensive tackle and No. 157 overall prospect nationally, per On3. The four-star recruit from Texas is the son of former Michigan offensive lineman Steve Frazier, who was part of the 1997 national title team and also snapped for the leg- endary Tom Brady during his time in Ann Arbor. As Frazier mentioned, his father is try- ing to remain neutral throughout the pro- cess. However, he has served as an excel- lent point of reference. "One of the coolest things was getting to see the campus from a former student's point of view on both of my visits," Fra- zier said. "He showed me where his old dorm was and where he and some of his teammates used to hang out like Mr. Spots. He gets invited to all the reunions, and he's made it clear that Michigan is a program that takes care of their present and former players. That's been really cool to see in action." Frazier went to just one Michi- gan game as a youth and doesn't remember much about seeing the Wolverines live. He returned to The Big House last fall for the first time in a decade and took in Michigan's thrilling win over Maryland. Seeing a game from a recruiting perspective was a unique experience and one that Frazier cherishes. "It was exciting," Frazier said. "110,000 people is not quiet. Although that game was a little closer than I would have liked, it was a good game. It gave me a panic attack a little bit [laughs]. I got to go in the locker room after- wards and saw how the guys interacted. I also got to spend time with some of the other recruits like Nathan Efobi. It was a really fun time." Along with Michigan, Frazier visited Clemson, Oklahoma and Texas A&M dur- ing the fall. He hopes to see all four again soon. Frazier is also set to visit Florida, Penn State and Texas this month. While Michigan is considered the early leader, Frazier is giving all schools an equal opportunity to recruit him. "I love Michigan, but it's also cool see- ing some of these other schools that have interest in me," he said. "I'm not saying I won't end up there, but I'm giving every- one the same look." IN-STATE STANDOUT Like the aforementioned Johnson, Oden, who is ranked as the No. 22 safety FOOTBALL RECRUITING MICHIGAN MEN Wolverines Working To Land A Trio Of High-Profile Legacy Recruits In 2024 Blake Frazier is the No. 14 offensive tackle and No. 154 overall pros- pect nationally, per On3. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound lineman plays for Austin (Texas) Vandegrift High. PHOTO COURTESY ON3.COM