Submitted photo Ursuline’s James Phillips Jr. signed a letter of intent to attend and play football at Western Michigan.

YOUNGSTOWN — According to Ursuline High School football coach Dan Reardon, James Phillips Jr., is a testament to what can happen for athletes who put in extra work in addition to what is asked of all players.

Phillips signed a National Letter of Intent on Wednesday to continue his academic and football career at Western Michigan.

“He worked so hard in the weight room and was able to add great strength and size in addition to improving his speed,” said Reardon, who guided the Irish to a 2-8 mark in his return to the program last fall. “I think he’s going to be a great find for (Western Michigan) because he’s a great kid with a great work ethic and is hungry to succeed.”

Phillips was listed at 6-foot-2, 235 pounds and played a number of positions this season, although he missed time with an injury. Phillips was a 6-0, 195-pound receiver as a junior.

“This is a childhood dream of mine, to play college football,” Phillips said. “I worked very hard at bulking up and still adding some speed, and I’m thankful to the whole Ursuline coaching staff, my personal trainer Tyler Abraham, Mike Bartos at Ursuline, who helped me with nutrition and lifting, and to the Frasco family for all their support.”

In addition to playing tight end and receiver with the Irish, Phillips also saw time at fullback on offense. Defensively, he played linebacker and defensive end.

“He’s very versatile and offers a lot with his size and athleticism,” Reardon said. “I think he’ll be a good tight end or H-back for (Western Michigan). He has so much potential and they’ll likely move him around so they can maximize that potential.”

Phillips said he is the second in his family to be going to college, noting that his cousin is Cameron Sims, a receiver with the Washington Redskins and a former player at Alabama.

“I love everything about Western Michigan,” said Phillips, who would like to major in criminal justice and minor in hospitality. “The tight end coach, Bill Kenney, treated me so well and seems very interested in me. We had an instant connection.

“My dad (James Phillips Sr.) and I just went up there not long ago and he really loved it. I think he’s as pumped up about the decision and signing as I am.”