Julian Fraser stands 6’2” and weighs in at 250 pounds. It is a safe bet that the offensive linemen that have had to look him in the eye would all agree that stopping him is no easy task.
During his career as a Valdosta Wildcat, while he was most comfortable at defensive end, his desire to learn and expand his skill allowed him to accept any and every position assignment that he was given. His efforts helped lead Valdosta High to a 9-2 record during his senior campaign, including a 4-1-region finish.
“I’m here to play,” Fraser said. “Wherever Coach needed me, that’s where I was. At the end of the day, we’re a team. And when everybody is unified, anybody can be beaten.”
Football has brought Fraser a plethora of awards. For his efforts this season, he received the Best Defensive Lineman Award at Valdosta High’s annual Touchdown Club Banquet. He was also a member of the All-Region First Team. In previous years, he was named Most Spirited, All-Region Honorable Mention, and he was selected to play in the 2013 Elite Jr. Classic.
It’s apparent that if he wants something, he is going to get it. It showed on the football field, and, if his career goals come to fruition, everyone will, one day, know him by a much more prestigious title.
“I want to be President (of the United States),” he said. “I love history and political science, and it is my goal to get to the top.”
Now, many aspire to become the leader of the nation, but when it comes to Fraser, the dream seems highly attainable. Holding down a 3.85 GPA and taking numerous AP and IB courses, and being a regular placeholder on the Honor Roll, his next step should keep him well on track with his future plans.
This fall, he will be attending Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.
The epitome of a student-athlete, Fraser was offered scholarships from numerous schools, including multiple in the Ivy League. But in the end, he decided that Yale was the way to go.
“There were a couple of other (Ivy League) schools that were interested in me,” he said. “Brown and Harvard gave me offers. But after my official visit to Yale (in December), I knew it was the place for me.”
His calm demeanor may surprise you. On the surface, he is a rather soft-spoken, relaxed individual. But once the pads are on, and he steps onto the field, it is a completely different story.
“I’ve always sort of been the ‘hype guy’,” he said. “I think my coaches would tell you that I was one crazy football player. But, as a team captain, it was my job to keep guys in line and give them confidence.”
Attending Yale is a victory on numerous levels for. He has the opportunity to attend one of the most highly-respected universities in the country, and he is able to continue playing the sport that he has grown to love. Perhaps another major positive to his school of choice: His first “home” will only be an hour and a half away.
“I’m originally from Brooklyn (New York),” he said. “I moved to Valdosta when I was eight years old. Ironically, that’s also the year I began playing football. I’m excited to return to that area; I have a lot of family there. Plus, I’m a city boy at heart.”
Fraser’s talents reach far beyond the gridiron and the classroom. He was also a member of the varsity track and wrestling teams. He competed in the shot put and discus. As a wrestler, he was the Region 1-AAAAAA Champion in his weight class.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank my family. They pushed me so far,” Fraser said. “Also, I want to thank my teachers. They have all supported me for so long, and I really appreciate them. Finally, I have to thank (Coach) Jared Brown. He’s the reason I started playing football. He pushed and pushed until I gave it a try, and I’m so thankful for his motivation.”
Wildcat faithful will bid farewell to a tremendous athlete, student, and human being at the end of the 2014-15 school year. On the bright side, however, Julian Fraser is a perfect representative to show the rest of the country what Valdosta stands for. He is a hard worker with a never-say-die-attitude, and he makes the best of every possible opportunity.
South Georgia/May 2015
Special Feature
Julian Fraser
Valdosta High School
Valdosta, Ga.
Julian Fraser: A Wildcat Eyeing the White House
By James Washington
