Bearcat running back Keenan Phillips went on an official visit to James Madison University last week.

He toured the campus, got to meet running backs on the team and even went axe-throwing during his time at the Harrisonburg, VA college. Phillips said he was impressed by JMU’s campus and facilities.

“I was amazed ‘cause, like, I didn’t think it was going to be as much as I thought it was,” Phillips said. “The weight room is, like, maybe a year old. The athletic facility is maybe, like, three or four years old. And the campus itself is just nice. ”

Phillips said he got the offer to come in March. He had been working with running backs coach John Miller to find the best time to come out. He said he met with a JMU running back to take a campus tour and two more running backs to go axe-throwing after. Phillips said the running back room felt tight-knit.

“They treat each other like family,” Phillips said about the JMU running backs. “They made me feel as if I was already on the team, building a relationship with me.”

Phillips said he had never eaten as much food as he did at James Madison. He said his favorite meal was a shrimp and steak surf and turf. Tandria Phillips, his mother, said she’s proud of the work her son has put in.

“It’s exciting to watch his hard work pay off,” His mother said. “I’m not just saying this ‘cause I’m his mom, maybe a little, but he’s one of the hardest workers on the team.”

Phillips said JMU’s interest in him built confidence in his game. 

“I kind of want to go on more visits,“ Phillips said. “It shows that schools out there like me and want me to come.”

The running back said he hasnt madde a decision but enjoyed his time at the University. He said he expects to see more offers come in during this season — his senior season — and hopes to hear from South Carolina, Georgia Tech and Florida.