By Staff
Darrius Jamal Phillips, son of former Dowagiac Union High School student Emily Phillips (Carter), and grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Lacy, longtime residents of Dowagiac, signed his National Letter of Intention Feb. 8 with Valdosta State University, a Division II school in Valdosta, Ga. Phillips will play football for Valdosta State – the 2004 national champions – starting in the fall of the 2007-2008 school year.
Phillips accepted the offer for a full athletic scholarship to play football, and the 290-pound defensive tackle has been given the opportunity to play early and most likely take the field as a starter his freshmen year. He plans to major in criminal justice with a focus on forensics.
Going into his freshmen year of high school, Phillips thought he would be playing basketball in college.
"This was a special day for me and my family," Phillips said. "This is only the beginning. My goal is to one day play in the NFL. I know I can make it."
His grandparents and entire family believe he can make it as well. Go Blazers!