On the Plains with Brandon Frazier: 'Take nothing for granted'

Auburn senior tight end Brandon Frazier is set to come into his sixth season ready to bounce back from his injury-shortened 2024.

Looking back on his career and time on the Plains, it’s apparent that Frazier brings experience and leadership to the team and is ready to lay everything out on the gridiron.

“I was only able to play two games and one series last year, so I’m excited to get back out on the field and play, " Frazier said. “I think my word would just be to be excited and go out with a bang and help the team win as many games as we can. Make a push for the playoffs.” 

The McKinney, Texas, native comes from an athletic family who has always been involved in collegiate sports. Both of his parents (mom Jennifer and dad Justin) played college basketball at Abilene Christian. They have been two of his biggest supporters throughout his football journey. Frazier’s two brothers play collegiate football as well.

In addition, he has been married to his wife and former Auburn volleyball player Jackie Barnett, for over a year.

Family has been something Frazier has always held onto through adversity during his time at Auburn. 

Though he has faced injuries and many obstacles throughout his career, he has remained grounded. When asked about who his main supporters have been, his answer was clear.

“I would definitely say my parents,” Frazier said. “Everyone here is always supportive. Coach Ben (Aigamaua) does a good job pushing us to our limits. Everyone on the staff knows what your goal is. Everyone wants to go to the next level but that’s easier said than done. Every little rep or something they’re critiquing and pushing you so I mean I feel like I have a really good support system between coaches, players, my wife, and family."

Frazier graduated from Auburn in December of 2023 with a bachelor's degree in supply chain management. He is a member of the SEC Academic Honor Toll and Chi Sigma Alpha, the national student-athlete honor society, in 2023.

He’s currently working toward a master’s in supply chain management and is set to graduate this fall. 

 

After an injury-shortened 2024 campaign, Frazier is ready to bounce back in a big way for the Tigers. He recorded one reception for 16 yards in a game vs. California right before his injury. He is extremely grateful for this new opportunity, remaining focused and not taking anything for granted.

“It has been like a blessing in disguise,” Frazier said. “I really thought last year would be my last. Just putting my best foot forward, and when I got hurt, it was eye-opening just to see how sometimes you can take the game for granted. You can’t play it forever so embrace it while you have it. It was tough because I expected a big year last year, but God works in mysterious ways, but I’m excited to show what I’ve got this year.”

Frazier’s perspective on the game and his journey has changed after the injury. Taking nothing for granted and focusing on the task at hand has helped Frazier prepare for the upcoming season.

“It’s a one-game-a-week mentality and it’s important to not think about what’s ahead,” Frazier said. “Just focus on going 1-0 that week."

This new opportunity allows Frazier to step into and embrace a leadership role on the team as the most experienced player at his position. He leads a talented tight end room and brings his wisdom and experience to the group to help the freshmen and newcomers. 

Frazier enjoys this role and has loved the brotherhood and family-like connection with the teammates he shares a position room with at the Woltosz Football Performance Center. 

“I just think we are so connected,” Frazier said. “It’s like we’ve known each other all our lives. We’re just in there joking around all the time, while we are also getting the work done.”

This group, although having fun, is ready for the challenge of leaning on its younger players.

“We just have a goofy group and like to have a good time, but when it’s time to work, I think we do a pretty good job of doing that,” Frazier said. “We don’t have as much experience as we have had in the past, but at the same time, we are going to lean on some of these younger guys to help us out, and I think they will be ready come fall.”

Being at Auburn has been a memorable experience for Frazier. The Auburn family will always mean a lot to him, and being around the fans and the crowds is something he will never forget.

“When you run out of the tunnel, it’s pretty cool because the roar is insane,” Frazier said. “Just looking up in the stadium is always amazing, and to see all of the support you have. It really motivates you to play even harder, not just for the players but for Auburn. You aren't just playing for the name on your back, but the Auburn on the front of your jersey."