West Virginia Football: 5 most underrated Mountaineers in 2021

A product of Fairmont, W. Va., Zach Frazier started the 2020 season-opener at center as a true freshman. It happened out of necessity, but the following week he played guard and wound up starting all 10 games for the Mountaineers. It’s nice when a university can retain top in-state talent, but it’s a real treat when it develops early.

Frazier spent most of his freshman season at left guard sandwiched between Brandon Yates and Chase Behrndt, but his future with West Virginia — and beyond — is at the center position. Regardless of where he lines up as a sophomore, Frazier will be a different player than he was his freshman season.

"“Everything feels a lot slower when I’m out there,” said Frazier during a spring practice interview. “Like the game speed has slowed down for me because I understand the offense a lot more. It’s a lot easier.”"

Comments like the one above are exciting for West Virginia football fans, especially after witnessing last season’s improvement on the ground.

The ‘Eers rushing averages jumped from 73.4 in 2019 to 135.1 in 2020. I’m not giving all the credit to Frazier as it took a group effort, but he was new to the lineup, he played often and played well, and he’s back for another campaign. Don’t be surprised if the Mountaineers’ offense takes another step forward in 2021 behind Frazier & company.