Fraser prepared for uphill climb
By Jeff Walcoff, Staff Writer
May 1, 2005
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Simon Fraser Interview</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
Twelve months ago, Simon Fraser stepped on the field at Ohio Stadium for the annual Ohio State Scarlet & Gray spring game.
With 39 games already in the books in his collegiate career, he was projected as a fulltime starter and a senior leader on the team’s defense. In the fall, he would be elected a defensive captain and lead one of the nation’s top programs into battle, all just miles from his hometown of Upper Arlington.
While now fulfilling a dream to stay in Ohio and play for the Cleveland Browns, the circumstances of Fraser’s arrival are not ideal.
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</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left">Photo By John H. Reid III
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>After a 51-game college career and both collegiate and high school Division I championship rings in hand, watching the 255-player NFL Draft end without his name being called was disappointing. Especially after having already seen 22 of his teammates from the Buckeyes’ 2002 National Championship squad drafted so far.
“It was a definite learning experience,” Fraser said of the draft. “The whole experience opened up my eyes. I learned a lot about myself and my support at home. There’s a wide range of emotions going on that last day, but I’m excited to be up here and have the chance to play and contribute, especially being from Ohio.”
Despite not being drafted, Fraser had interest from about a third of the league to sign as an undrafted rookie.
Attracted to the team’s new direction and the opportunity to play for a club that would value his passion for the game, Fraser took no time after the draft in committing to the Browns.
“I did talk to a lot of different teams, but I felt comfortable coming up to Cleveland,” Fraser said. “The coaches preach a blue-collar work ethic here - something I pride myself on. So I think it’s a great fit.
“The biggest thing right now is to come in and show what I can contribute, whether it’s defensive end, or whatever they want me to play, and special teams too. Right now, I’m working my butt off to try and come in here and do the best I can.”
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</td> </tr> </tbody></table>There also was a comfort level from some familiar faces.
“One of the big factors that allowed me to come here was having (defensive backs) coach (Mel) Tucker and (offensive line) coach (Jeff) Uhlenhake, who I played under at Ohio State, here on staff. I felt comfortable being around them because they know what I bring to the table and what to expect out of me.”
What remains to be seen is how Fraser will fit into the team’s new 3-4 scheme. Having played only in a 4-3 in college, he will be challenged – like many players on the team – to find a niche in the new scheme.
His likely role would be as a defensive end, where his size (6-6, 288) and long arms lend itself to the disruptive role needed to be an end in the 3-4.
Head coach Romeo Crennel said Fraser has a head start on a lot of defensive ends transitioning to the 3-4 because he played a lot of “five-technique” in college – meaning he played a more physical role, taking on offensive tackles as opposed to tight ends.
“Here this week, you walk by the meeting room and he’s in the defensive line meeting room watching film,” Crennel said. “That’s a sign that the guy is motivated. I can see him in drills – he’s leading the defensive linemen. His size also - he has the kind of size we like. Things like that catch your eye.”
Fortunately for Fraser, defensive end is where the team may be at its thinnest. Ends Courtney Brown and Ebenezer Ekuban both landed in Denver during the offseason, while Crennel has suggested Kenard Lang may move from a down position to an outside linebacker spot.
Faced with an uphill climb, Fraser embraces the concepts of hard work, confidence and perennial optimism.
“Everyone has to come out and prove, regardless of whether you’re taken in the first or seventh round,” he said. “Everyone is coming in here with something to prove.
“You have to have that confidence in yourself to get it done because you’re out here fighting for yourself. You have to have that confidence to fight through the hard times.”
After being a prep stud and a four-year contributor at
OSU, Fraser sees the future of his career from a new perspective.
“You can’t take anything for granted,” he said. “You have to keep working hard no matter what happens and take advantage of every opportunity that’s given to you.
“The percentage of high school football players who get to come into an NFL minicamp is small and I feel blessed to come in here and be a part of it.
“I want to continue to represent Columbus and Ohio State as well.”
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