A new chapter in the track career of 2023 Jonesboro-Hodge High School (JHHS) graduate Savantez Phillips will begin in the fall of 2026 when the Grambling State junior will transfer to Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) rival Southern University in Baton Rouge.

After winning the 2023 LHSAA Class 2A state championship in the 110 hurdles as a senior at JHHS, “Seven,” as he is fondly called by friends, has enjoyed a very productive three years as a sprinter/hurdler at GSU. Highlights from his 2026 track season include podium placements at the SWAC Indoor and Outdoor Championships, finishing in 2nd place at the Pelican Relays, which was run on the campus of Southern, and qualifying for the NCAA East Regionals.