Daquan Frazier: New Orleans Capital One Bank High Yield Athlete of the Week

There was no shortage of superlatives for Bonnabel (Kenner) in its 22-21 victory over Destrehan last week.

Sophomore Daniel Velasquez kicked his game-winning 39-yard field goal with 4:03 left to play after having missed a field goal and extra point in the first half.

"He has to trust himself," Bonnabel coach Reggie Rogers said of Velasquez. "I trust him completely."

All-purpose senior Joe Este delivered a jarring hit that resulted in a fumble which Kyle Evans returned for a 40-yard touchdown. Este also fielded kicks, played cornerback and caught four passes for 69 yards.

And then there was senior lineman Daquan Frazier, the anchor of Bonnabel's success and the latest New Orleans Capital One Bank High Yield Student Athlete of the Week.

Aside from defensive statistics, which included 10 tackles with five for losses against Destrehan, Frazier might lack for the recognition afforded more visible "skill" players. Those close to Frazier know his true worth, though.

"Besides being a great football player, he's a great leader in the locker room," Rogers said. "Coaches wish they had a kid like him on their team. He's that kind of guy."

Frazier remained calm but focused when Bonnabel fell behind, 21-12, late in the third quarter, Rogers said. Rallying those around him, Frazier ignited a defensive lockdown from his tackle spot. He contributed to a quarterback sack that prevented Destrehan from seizing late-game momentum.

Offensively, the 6-foot-1, 255-pound Frazier stepped up and made plays at left tackle, Rogers said.

Frazier has become a two-way performer the last few games, Rogers said, in a bid to "put the best players out there."

Frazier certainly rates as one of the best, too, with 70 total tackles for the season, including 25 assists. He's recorded two quarterback sacks, deflected nine passes and has 12 tackles for loss.

The move to play Frazier more often has paid dividends with Bonnabel riding a two-game winning streak into its regular-season finale at District 8-5A foe East St. John (Reserve). A win will earn Bonnabel a long-awaited return to the state playoffs, Rogers said. The Bruins, 5-3 overall and 2-2 in district, can still advance with a loss but must await the results of other games.

"We control our own destiny," Rogers said.

Destiny, in this case, bears the name of Daquan Frazier, who has captured the attention of numerous college coaches, including those from Nicholls State and Southeastern Louisiana, Rogers said.

Of immediate concern, though, is another victory and a playoff berth. Should those happen, Frazier might well continue to grow in stature and reap the benefits that come with it.