Alcorn State graduate Leslie Frazier was named as the interim head coach of the Minnesota Vikings today, becoming the first Alcorn State and SWAC graduate to hold such a position.

Frazier, who played defensive back at Alcorn State when it was known as ‘Defensive Back University,’ played from 1977 through 1980, bagging All SWAC honors his junior and senior years.

He took this talent to the Chicago Bears, and was on that championship team of 1985.

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ASU has sent several players to the pro ranks as defensive backs, including first round pick Roynell Young of the Eagles, Gary Lewis of the Raiders, Issiac Holt of the Vikings, Richard Sowells of the Jets, Willie Alexander of the Oilers, Cleo Johnson of the Broncos and Milton Mack of the Saints.

Marino Casem, the head coach at Alcorn State during the tenure of Frazier, was elated after getting the news:

“It couldn’t have happened to a sharper guy. This was fully overdue. He is a student of the game and has the demeanor of a winner. He is even tempered, stern and determined in his beliefs. He has a hard work ethic and he will never be outworked or under prepared. He has worked his way thru the ranks, is a player’s coach and he will do well.”

Frazier, who led the SWAC in interceptions his junior year at Alcorn State, earned first team honors for that and the Braves of Casem went 8-2 and were SWAC champs that 1979 season.

Frazier is currently in the SWAC Hall Of Fame.

Courtesy: Alcorn State University
http://www2.wjtv.com/jtv/sports/local/article/frazier_named_interim_vikings_head_coach/222139/