The Daily Hatch

By Robbie Neiswanger
Arkansas News Bureau • rneiswanger@arkansasnews.com

FAYETTEVILLE — Kiehl Frazier began attending Arkansas games when he was five years old.

Over the years, he watched Arkansas play countless times in Razorback Stadium. He went to games with his family. He’d watch with friends. He even saw one as part of a recruiting visit to campus, calling the 2009 Georgia game one of his most memorable experiences.

So walking into the stadium won’t be anything new to Frazier when he returns this weekend. The difference, of course, will be the fact he’s wearing an Auburn uniform and trying to help the Tigers beat Arkansas.

“I can’t wait,” Frazier said Wednesday. “Fayetteville will always be my home and I grew up watching the Razorbacks and going to the game. So it will be a dream come true getting to play in the stadium.”

Frazier, a Shiloh Christian graduate, and Auburn running back Michael Dyer (Little Rock Christian) will make their first trip back to their home state with the Tigers on Saturday. Dyer carries a big role in offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn’s offense, leading the Tigers in rushing (567 yards). Frazier is finding his niche, offering a change of pace to starter Barrett Trotter at quarterback as a true freshman.

Neither has played in Razorback Stadium in their football careers, but Dyer knows what to expect when they’re greeted by Arkansas fans Saturday night.

“I’m sure they’ll have some boos and stuff like that,” Dyer said. “But that’s part of it when you’re one of those guys that could’ve stayed home and played, but decided to go somewhere else.”

Both Dyer and Frazier were recruited by Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino and his staff, but selected the Tigers for a chance to play in Malzahn’s offense. They joined a recent run of former Arkansas high school players to head to Auburn, joining former Tigers like tackle Lee Ziemba and receiver/quarterback Kodi Burns.

It’s hard to argue Dyer made the wrong choice after playing a big role in Auburn’s championship season.

He rushed for 1,093 yards, including 143 in the national title game win. His 37-yard run in the fourth quarter helped set up the game-winning field goal.

“I came down here and was able to do the things I was asked to do during my recruiting process and be able to play and contribute to the team,” Dyer said.

Dyer now is one of just a few returning offensive starters in a revamped attack. He showed some of his leadership in tying an Auburn record with 41 carries for 141 yards in the 16-13 win at South Carolina. It included 16 carries after suffering an ankle injury.

“That was just kind of the plan going in, and that’s kind of what was working the best,” Malzahn said of Dyer’s workload. “But we don’t plan on giving the ball 41 times to our running back each week.”

Frazier has only attempted one pass, but has helped the Tigers more and more with his running ability.

Frazier — who is still the third-team quarterback behind Barrett Trotter and Clint Moseley — ranks third in rushing (81 yards). Most of the production came in his 48-yard performance against South Carolina.

“I’ve really thought he’s done a very solid job with what we’ve asked him to do,” Malzahn said. “Last week he came in during some key moments in the game and really, really made big plays for us.”

Both players would love nothing more than to enjoy success homecomings in Arkansas on Saturday.

Malzahn is the first to admit the return trip can be “weird” and “odd” the first time around. He said that was the case for him in 2008, when he came back to Arkansas as Tulsa’s offensive coordinator.

The newness has worn off for Malzahn, who is still looking for his first win in Arkansas. He’s confident Dyer and Frazier will handle the situation Saturday.

“From what I saw (Tuesday), they’re approaching it like any other game,” Malzahn said. “I’m sure there will be different emotions once they get there and all that, but they’ve got a job to do, and we’re playing against a very good defense. So they’ve got to be prepared and not get too high or too low.”

Dyer and Frazier said it’s no problem, although gameday probably can’t arrive quick enough for either Arkansas native. Both were busy earlier this week collecting tickets for family and friends.

Frazier said it will be good to seem them, too, although he’s certain not everyone will be rooting for Auburn to knock Arkansas in Fayetteville.

“They definitely want the Razorbacks to win,” Frazier said of his friends. “There’s deep loyalty there. But they’ve been kind of telling me they hope I do well.”

Saturday’s Ticket
No. 15 Auburn (4-1) vs. No. 10 Arkansas (4-1)
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville
TV: ESPN
Radio: Razorback Sports Network
Satellite Radio: Sirius (Ch. 91), XM (Ch. 91)
Series Record: Auburn leads 8-11-1
Last Meeting: Auburn 65, Arkansas 43 in 2010
Coaches: Arkansas — Bobby Petrino (27-16 in fourth season); Auburn — Gene Chizik (26-6 in third season)