MARQUIS FRAZIER: On the rise

[PonyPride]

At his Monday press conference this week, Memphis coach Larry Porter singled out SMU defensive end Marquis Frazier as a player who deserves praise and represents an area of concern for the Tigers.

"As you look at their defensive end, No. 9, Mr. Frazier — he has been a solid and productive player for them," Porter said. "He's one that we're trying to make sure that we keep our eyes on at all times, because he can be disruptive."

After Tuesday's practice, SMU defensive coordinator Tom Mason went even further in his praise of Frazier.

"He has had probably his best three games since he has been here," Mason said. "He has dominated every game, and that includes (Texas) A&M. Part of that is just his growth and development as a player, and part of it is being paired on that side with JG (linebacker Ja'Gared Davis)."

In SMU's 3-4 defense, the defensive ends often are asked to tie up blockers on the opposing team's offensive line, allowing the linebackers behind them a free lane through which to run untouched to the ball carrier.

"Having JG there makes a big difference," Frazier said. "He has got incredible speed and power, so if I do my job, he gets through free. If teams put all their focus on him, that leaves me in one-on-one (blocking)."

Frazier also said his job is made easier by the presence of fellow defensive end Taylor Thompson, a preseason all-Conference USA honoree who was named to the watch lists for the Ted Hendricks Award (given annually to the nation’s top defensive end), the Bronko Nagurski Award (nation’s best defensive player) and the Rotary Lombardi Award (top lineman — offense or defense).

"We're very competitive," Frazier said of Thompson. "I'll tell him, 'I'm going to get more sacks than you,' and it pushes us. It boosts the whole defensive line play."

Last season, Frazier had 3.5 tackles-for-loss and 2.5 quarterback sacks. With two of each through the Mustangs' first three games, he is on pace to obliterate each of those totals with a pace that points toward eight in each category.

That he is more active this season is no accident; Frazier, who carried a listed 298 pounds on his 6-foot-4 frame last year, said he is now down to "275 or 280."

"I ran a lot more over the summer, and stayed in the weight room, so I guess I'm a little quicker and stronger than last year."

Perhaps the biggest reason for Frazier's improved performance is the fact that he is spending most of his time back at his natural position. When Torlan Pittman sat out the 2010 season, Frazier was forced to play nose tackle — a move he freely admitted he didn't particularly enjoy. While he didn't find it particularly enjoyable to be in the center of the fray at the line of scrimmage, Frazier now admits that his time spent on the interior of the line has helped him play better now that he has returned to defensive end.

"You face different blocking schemes," Frazier said. "At nose, you have to shed more people. You usually have two guys blocking you, and sometimes three. At end, you sometimes get two guys on you, but usually it's only one. You have more room to make plays.

"Plus, with JG on my side, offenses can't focus just on me, or JG will be back there (in the offensive back field) all game long. Playing inside last year, I can handle multiple blockers better. If I can tie up two guys, JG is going to make a lot of plays."

[mrydel]

I have noticed that Frazier has not been hurt yet this year. Whether actually hurt or stalling for a breather, he has not had either occur and that is a good thing. His conditioning and size seem to have made a difference, at least so far.