University of Houston Athletics
Phillips Honored by UH Black Alumni Association
3/28/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
March 28, 2011
University of Houston assistant football coach and former All-American wide receiver Jason Phillips was honored at the UH Black Alumni Association 22nd Annual Scholarships and Awards Gala as one of its eight Distinguished Alumni award winners, Friday evening at the Hilton Americas.
"This is a humbling experience," said Phillips. "I have been a Cougar forever. I grew up in Houston, loving the University of Houston. You never think, when you are in school, that your actions could have an impact. I just hope I am continuing to set a good example for the student-athletes who are here now. Everything I do is with them in mind."
A native Houstonian who played at Ross Sterling High School, Phillips first made his mark at the University of Houston by hauling in passes from Heisman Trophy quarterback Andre Ware during the Cougars high-flying, high-scoring Run `N Shoot heyday. Phillips led the nation in receiving yards in 1987 (875 yards) and 1988 (1,444).
In 1987 Phillips not only was an All-Southwest Conference pick and the SWC Newcomer of the Year, but was also selected to the UPI All-America team. The following year Phillips was named to the All-SWC First Team, was the SWC Co-Offensive Player of the Year and a Consensus First-Team All-America pick. He was also selected to the SWC's All-Decade Team for the 80s and in 2006 Phillips' spectacular contributions to the program were recognized when he was inducted into the Houston Hall of Honor.
With his offensive numbers, he continues to rank among the NCAA all-time leaders. Entering the 2010 season, Phillips ranks fourth with 9.4 receptions per game during his career. He joined with James Dixon in 1988 as the first teammates to record 1,000-yard receiving seasons in the same year. That electrifying combo remains the only unit to rank 1-2 in catches per game in the NCAA in the same season.
Phillips was drafted by Detroit in 1989, where he set a rookie record with a 10-catch, 155-yard performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Phillips enjoyed an eight-year professional career, playing six seasons in the NFL and two in the CFL before moving into the coaching ranks.
ABOUT THE UHBAA
UHBAA was founded in 1988 as a special interest constituency of The University of Houston Alumni Association. Its mission is to strive to strengthen the relationship of alumni to UH; advance the interests and promote the welfare of the university; reunite black alumni with friends and classmates; and serve as a vehicle to address various concerns, issues and needs which impact black students, faculty, alumni and the community in general.
The University of Houston has over 11,000 African American alumni on file. UHBAA serves more than 600 active African American alumni paid members of The University of Houston Alumni Association. UHBAA has given close to $28,000 in scholarships since its inception. Proceeds from Scholarship and Awards Gala will benefit UHBAA Scholarships and Programs.
