Auburn opener at Baylor 'an awesome experience' for Texas native Brandon Frazier

AUBURN, Ala. – Brandon Frazier won’t be the only one wearing a No. 87 Auburn jersey Friday night when the Tigers kick off the season at Baylor. 

From Brandon’s hometown of McKinney, Texas, north of Dallas, It’s a two-hour drive south to Waco. 

“An awesome experience,” Frazier said of the Lone Star State homecoming. “Last season, a lot of family and friends are coming to the game. Being that close to home it’s easy for them to travel. I have a great support base back home and I’m excited for them to come watch my last first game in college.”

A teammate for several seasons with former Tiger tight ends John Samuel Shenker and Luke Deal, now it’s Frazier’s turn to be the elder statesman, along with converted offensive lineman Tate Johnson. 

“We’ve always had a lot of older guys in the room,” Frazier said. “Tate’s an experienced veteran at Auburn and in the offense. It’s been great. Our personalities all mesh very well. We have a lot of different talents and players who can do it all. I’m excited about everyone in our room.”

It’s Frazier’s third season under tight ends coach Ben Aigamaua, who appreciates what Brandon brings to the position group.

“Veteran leadership,” Aigamaua said. “An Auburn man who teaches those young guys how to work and how to study film. Somebody I can rely on to be a leader for us.”

At 6-foot-7, the 267-pound Frazier presents a sizable target for Auburn’s quarterbacks.

“You forget how big he is and how athletic he is,” Aigamaua said. “Now that he’s healthy, he got through spring ball and summer workouts. He’s out there making awesome plays for us.”

“I definitely have a size advantage against most of my opponents in the passing game,” Frazier said. “I think I’m a mismatch. Big-body target, throw it up, or I can box somebody out and make a play. I think I can create a disadvantage for the defense and help us make plays on third down or in the red zone.”

Even with Auburn’s roster of elite receivers such as Cam Coleman, Eric Singleton Jr., Malcolm Simmons and Horatio Fields, there’s still room on the call sheet for plays designed for tight ends, especially near the goal line.

“We have a lot of stud receivers and they’re going to let us create our one-on-ones with linebackers and safeties. I feel like our tight ends also can run routes,” Frazier said. “I’m not saying we’re as fast as them, but we can make the contested catches and score some touchdowns as well. I’m excited to create some explosive plays for the offense this year.”

With 12 career receptions for 121 yards and two touchdowns, Frazier understands that while receiving is the flashy part of a tight end’s job description, blocking is equally important. 

“Every day we’re going against some of the best in college against our defensive ends,” Frazier said. “Practicing against the best is helping me have some different tools in the bag. Working on my craft every day has been helping me prepare myself to go block big guys all season.”

Two years after graduating from Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business, Frazier is taking his final class this semester to earn a master’s degree in supply chain management, an education that will serve him well when his football career concludes.  

“I want to get into business,” Frazier said. “I’m not sure what that entails yet. I’ve made a lot of connections through Auburn as well as friends and family back home in Texas. I’ll be excited for any opportunity that comes my way after this year, and focus on this season.”

When he injured his foot on the first series of Auburn’s third game last season, Frazier faced several options: professional football, beginning his business career or returning to the Plains for a sixth season.

“One more year is only going to help me to work on my craft and show NFL scouts that I can compete at the highest level,” Frazier said. “I also wanted to change the recent narrative around Auburn. We’ve had only one winning season since I’ve been here. I’m tired of losing.

“I think Coach Freeze has done a great job bringing in guys and the coaching staff, and letting us be the seniors that help change the narrative and get Auburn back in the right spot near the top in the country.

“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. I’m excited to show what I’ve got this year.”

Frazier’s loyalty to Auburn also factored in his decision to come back for an encore.

“I love Auburn,” he said. “Auburn has given me the opportunity to do what I love and has given me so many memories that I will cherish.”

Brandon hails from a family of athletes, including a grandfather who played football at Wyoming, parents Justin and Jennifer who both played college basketball at Abilene Christian, and two college football-playing brothers.

Brandon won’t even be the only Auburn student-athlete wearing No. 87 under the Friday Night Lights. His wife, former Auburn volleyball standout Jackie Barrett, ranks fifth all-time in assists. Ironically, after four seasons on the Plains, Jackie played her final season at Baylor in 2024. 

“But don’t worry, she’ll be wearing her Auburn Tigers jersey,” Brandon said. “She’ll be there head to toe in Auburn gear.”

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on X: @jeff_shearer