Johnny Frasier is expected to be a significant part of NC State’s offense in 2016, but an early setback is already hindering him. NC State officials have confirmed the running back has missed the last two practices as he goes through the concussion protocol.
The Princeton product came in as a four-star running back and seventh overall in the country at the position by 247Sports. After being flipped from Florida State, Frasier redshirted during his freshman campaign.
“Johnny looked good the first few practices, he’s been learning,” fellow running back Nyheim Hines said of Frasier. “I’ve seen a big change in him over the last year. So I can’t wait for him to come back.”
NC State head coach Dave Doeren didn’t comment on the status of Frasier following Tuesday’s practice. Prior to the injury, Doeren had high praise for the tailback.
“He grew up a lot,” Doeren said. “Coming from a small town, and really the competition he was playing against … he was just out of shape, he’ll tell you that. He’s changed his body and he’s grown up a lot. The game is starting to slow down for him a little bit. Now it’s about learning the terminology.”
With new offensive coordinator Eliah Drinkwitz implementing his system, not having Frasier on the field is not ideal. However, the depth of the position with Hines, Matt Dayes and others at the position, Drinkwitz still has experience in the backfield.
Luckily for the Wolfpack, Frasier has time to recover before the start of the 2016 season opener against William & Mary on Sept. 1. His status for the Spring Game — set for April 9 at 1 p.m. at Carter-Finley Stadium — has not been announced.
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