U.S. Army Wants Frazier For Bowl Game

SPRINGDALE — Josh Frazier’s high school football career won’t end with Springdale Har-Ber’s final game this season.

He’ll take the field again Jan. 4 at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl just weeks before national signing day in February. Frazier is undecided if he will announce his college choice at some point during the game, which will be played at the Alamodome in San Antonio and broadcast live at noon by NBC.

“I don’t want to leave everyone (at Har-Ber) out, so it’s hard to say right now what I will do,” said Frazier, who has more than 20 offers, including Arkansas. “It’s a hard decision whether to do it on national television or in your hometown with a close group of your friends and family.”

Frazier, 6-foot-4, 308 pounds, received his official invitation to the prestigious high school all-star game during an assembly Monday at Wildcat Arena. A loud cheer went up from Frazier’s classmates after the Wildcats’ nose guard put on a yellow jersey presented to him by representatives of the All-American Bowl. Former Springdale High quarterback Mitch Mustain and offensive lineman Bartley Webb both played in the game in 2006.

“It’s an honor for Josh to be selected for the All-American Bowl, which set the standard for high school all-star football games,” Har-Ber coach Chris Wood said. “I’m excited for Josh, and I think this reward reflects back on his teammates. Individuals play a big role, but it’s still a team game.”

Frazier began to draw attention from top college programs after he made 65 tackles last season with 2 1/2 sacks. He tweeted out his top five choices — Southern California, Georgia, Alabama, Texas A&M and Arkansas — in May during a span of about four hours.

“Josh is a big, strong guy who can move and he plays with his hands very well,” Har-Ber defensive line coach Travis Moreland said. “He can get off his blocks and react quickly, which is part of understanding the game of football.”

Frazier said Southern Cal remains high on his list despite the firing of coach Lane Kiffin, who was replaced on an interim basis by Trojans defensive line coach Ed Orgeron.

“Lane Kiffin wasn’t getting the job done, and just like a player, you’re going to get booted to the side,” Frazier said. “As long as coach Orgeron is still there, I’m fine with USC. We’ll just have to see what happens.”

Frazier has 17 tackles with one sack and one fumble recovery for Har-Ber, which is 2-2 on the season after a 45-20 defeat at Bentonville. The Wildcats return to conference play Friday against Rogers Heritage at Jarrell Williams Bulldog Stadium.

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