York athletes in action: College football

Phillip Thaxton, University of Delaware

A college football player with York high school ties has scheduled action this week:

Phillip Thaxton, University of Delaware
Position: Running/Defensive Back
High school: Grafton High
This week: Saturday, Nov. 17, versus Villanova University
About Thaxton: Thaxton is a 2007 graduate of Grafton High School, where he played football and basketball in addition to running track. On the football field for coach David Walton, he was a four-year letter winner playing running back and defensive back in addition to returning punts and kicks. As a senior in 2006, Thaxton was a first-team all-state honoree at running back and kick returner. He was also named the region and district offensive player of the team. That season he ran for 2,058 yards and 35 touchdowns, both school records. He notched seven touchdowns in one game.

As a junior (2005) Thaxton rushed for 1,109 yards and 10 touchdowns as Grafton went 9-1 and won the Bay Rivers District title.

Thaxton was also a four-year letter earner on the track team capturing district and regional titles. He was a state medalist in the 100 meters, 200 meters and 4 X 100 meter relay as a senior. On the basketball court, he won two letters and was second-team all-district as senior.

Thaxton was the school's male athlete of the year and earned the U.S. Marine Corps Distinguished High School Athlete Award. He was also an honor roll student. Born Dec. 18, 1988 the son of Eric and Caroline Thaxton, he is a sports management major. He is from Yorktown.

Filed under: SPORTS