Today was an exciting day for Frenship’s Quarterback, Holden Phillips, as he signed his letter of intent with Texas Tech University to play football. Phillips will be graduating from Frenship High School early to join the Red Raiders in the spring. During his time at Frenship High School, he has proven his strong athletic abilities throughout many sports including baseball, basketball, and football.
In 2024 Phillips led the Frenship Football Team to their most prolific offensive season in school history and first 10-win campaign since 2013. Phillips was consistently the passing yardage and touchdown leader in the State of Texas throughout the 2024 season.
After one prolific season as a starter, Phillips finishes his Frenship career cemented in the school record book in the top 4 of all career passing categories and the top 3 of all season passing categories.
He’s only the 2nd 4,000-yard season passer in school history and set a new touchdown passes in a season mark with 57, surpassing the previous record by 9. His 75% completion percentage set a new season and career record for Frenship as well. Phillips also tied Kendal Briles’ mark of 58 total touchdowns in a season set in 2000.
Additionally, this season Phillips received Academic All-District, District 2-6A Quarterback 1st Team, and was also named the District 2-6A MVP. He is a recipient of David Campbell’s Mr. Texas Football Player of the Week award and is a finalist for both the Whataburger Super Team and David Campbell’s Quarterback of the Year Award.
Phillips is looking forward to this next chapter at Texas Tech and wants to thank Frenship ISD for preparing him along the way.
“My time at Frenship has fully prepared me for this next chapter,” said Phillips. “It’s been a lot of hard work to get this opportunity to play at my dream school I’ve always wanted to be at. I’m just grateful for this opportunity to be where I love, and I am grateful for Frenship.”
Phillips received a call a few weeks ago from the Texas Tech Quarterback Coach about the idea of graduating early and playing at Texas Tech. He knew this opportunity was one he couldn't let pass by.
“It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I love baseball and basketball, but Texas Tech is my dream school, and I couldn’t pass it up,” said Phillips.
He is most looking forward to enjoying life at Texas Tech and continuing the Red Raider family legacy.
“I am most looking forward to being at Tech and enjoying college life, being where I want to be, being close to my friends, staying home, and having my mom still be able to do my laundry- just perfect,” Holden jokes.
Frenship High School Head Football Coach Jay Northcutt has known Phillips for several years and has appreciated how he’s stood out in the crowd.
“I first met Holden when he was in 5th grade, I remember him playing youth football right here, and being an outstanding player. It was just the style of football that he played that stood out. He stood out then, and as a freshman, he was exactly what I thought he would be a big-time playmaker,” said Coach Northcutt.
Coach Northcutt couldn’t be prouder of Phillips and the numerous records he set and the plays he made happen.
“Holden is a special kid; I think this is a great example of you never know what life has in store for you,” said Coach Northcutt. “To say that Holden had a great year is really an understatement and doesn’t do him justice.”
As Coach Northcutt looks back on Phillips' time within the Frenship Football program he reflects on the impact he has made both on and off the field, leaving a legacy of hard work, leadership, and an unrelenting drive for success.
“I think if you could sum him up as to what kind of player he is you’d compare it to a cross between Patrick Mahomes and Baker Mayfield,” said Coach Northcutt. “I think at some point they’re going to be saying- ‘Hey these guys are like Holden Phillips’. I know the Red Raiders are going to get a good player. He’ll be joining his teammate, Leyton Stone, at Texas Tech.”
Coach Northcutt highlights Phillips' infectious love for the game, which set the tone for a very memorable football season.
“One thing that really started to stand out to me was when people would do interviews and would ask Holden ‘How are you guys doing that, or what’s the reason behind the great year?’ and the word fun would always come up,” said Coach Northcutt. “He would always say ‘We go out and we have fun, and we play to win. We want to win, but the main thing is that we want to have fun’. I have a feeling that he’s got a lot of fun ahead of him at Texas Tech.”
Congratulations, Holden Phillips! We will be cheering you on!