Nicholls State University doesn’t often steal recruits from prestigious universities, but when junior right hand pitcher Marc Frazier met baseball Head Coach Seth Thibodeaux, his decision was an easy one.

Frazier, a senior from Newman, Georgia majoring in business, has become a key player in the Colonel lineup by not only solidifying the Friday night starting pitcher slot, but also leading the team in every offensive category except runs-batted-in where he is second. Thibodeaux recalled a conversation he had with a neighbor late one night last year, which personifies Frazier’s personality.

“She said, ‘I saw one of your players running sprints in the street downtown at 10:30 at night,’” Thibodaux said. “Come to find out, it was Marc Frazier; that’s just who he is.”

Thibodeaux is pleased with how Frazier has grown since his arrival.

“I’ve enjoyed watching him grow, be mature and always take care of his business,” Thibodeaux said. “He does so now in a leadership way. He rubs off on the other guys.”

Frazier credited his work ethic and outlook on life to his father, Bruce. Many hours were spent between the two in the batting cage Bruce built in the barn behind their house.

“I try to be the best guy I could be and set an example for the younger players,” Frazier said. “My dad always taught me that you don’t have to speak to be a leader, and that’s what I try to do.”

Frazier was a four-year standout at Newman High School in Georgia, where he set the state record for the all-time batting average at .559 in 2009. He was a three-year all-state selection and named Coweta County player during his senior year.

Frazier had scholarship offers from Clemson University, Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of Georgia, as well as being drafted in the 47th round by the San Francisco Giants. However, Frazier turned down those offers and chose to attend Chipola College, where he worked on developing his pitching repertoire. He suffered an elbow injury in his second season that took him off the radar of previously interested schools. The connection between Frazier and Thibodeaux was instant.

“I believe in everything he is trying to do here. He’s a young coach, and I believe he can be one of the best,” Frazier said.

According to Thibodeaux, the feeling was mutual.

“We clicked right away,” Thibodeaux said. “What I asked of him was what he wanted, and how he acts is the type of player I want here. He was meant to be a Colonel, and I’m proud to have him.”

Frazier is an all-conference type of player whose numbers through 13 games rank him at or near the top of the conference in all categories. According to Thibodeaux, Frazier has a career in professional baseball after Nicholls.

Frazier, who is on track to graduate this spring with a 3.0 average, is an avid fisherman who couldn’t be happier playing ball in a state nicknamed “Sportsman Paradise.” His two hobbies outside of baseball are hunting and fishing.

According to Thibodeaux, Frazier’s name will hang around the program long after he leaves.

“Our relationship is more like that of brothers,” Thibodeaux said. “We have a really good chemistry between each other. Marc loves his University, loves being a Colonel, is proud to go to this school and be part of the Nicholls family forever.”