By Rod Pedersen,
CFL.ca
Lance Frazier has been to the dance.
However after spending the 2006 season as a wallflower, the Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive back is finally back on the dance floor showing some impressive moves.
The 26-year old from Del Ray Beach, Florida spent two seasons with the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, appearing at right corner in 12 games in 2004 registering 38 tackles and two interceptions as well as returning 24 punts.
Frazier was cut following the 2005 season and wound up on the Saskatchewan Roughriders practice roster the following season, dressing for just one game.
However with veteran halfback Eddie Davis going on the nine-game injured list last month, Frazier has been pressed into service. The 5-foot-10, 192 pound defender is making the most of the opportunity, making five tackles and coming up with one interception in the Riders’ past two games.
With Saskatchewan’s impressive 4-2 start, Frazier is witnessing first hand the rabid nature of Rider Pride and it brings back memories of being in “The Show”.
“Of course there’s a similarity,” explained Frazier. “But I was fortunate enough to attend West Virginia University who’s known for having great fans and great crowds. This place reminds me more of West Virginia than Dallas. It sort of has the same feel as Dallas, but this place here is more like a big college atmosphere. People get up early on game days and get liquored up and come to the games and get crazy.”
One would think playing under the big lights for America’s Team would be the fulfillment of a lifelong dream but Frazier says that’s not the case.
“I grew up hating the Cowboys. I didn’t like them at all. I grew up a Bills fan, which is strange coming with Florida. But I cheered for Buffalo and I would always go against Dallas in the Super Bowl but my team would always lose. It was a childhood dream to make the NFL period but once I was with the Cowboys they were my favourite team.”
Frazier admits the ’06 season was hard on him, biding his time on the taxi squad knowing he had the ability to make a difference on the field. But in the CFL, you’re only an injury away from having your number called and he finally got his chance in Week 5 this summer.
“You always hate to see somebody go down especially when you’re talking about a guy like Eddie Davis,” reasoned Frazier. “He’s a leader on this ball club, a team captain and a great person. I got this opportunity but Eddie’s been the most instrumental on the ball club helping me out with the transition. He stands behind me in practice and corrects me when I need it and it’s made a big difference.”
Frazier has become a key component to the CFL’s No. 1 defence which leads the league in interceptions with 11. Defensive coordinator Richie Hall knew Frazier wasn’t just taking up space on the practice roster.
“Oh definitely,” said Hall. “He’s come in and done just what we’ve asked him to do. He’s very athletic and very smart and he’s got the best in the business helping him out in Eddie. Good defensive backs always get better with age once they figure out the nuances of the Canadian game and I can see him being a great defender up here for years to come.”
Canada’s Team suits Lance Frazier just fine.
Rod Pedersen is the Voice of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Regina correspondent on The Score. Check out his daily blog at www.rodpedersen.com.
(The opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily of the Canadian Football League)
