College football fans — and fans of any sport — love those feel-good stories of the underdog rising up amidst hardship to succeed.

Mississippi State linebacker Josiah Phillips is a prime example. The 6-foot-4 walk-on sophomore out of Starkville earned a scholarship this past week. He’s a true anomaly when looking at his background as a college athlete. Not only was he homeschooled, but Phillips grew up playing in flag football leagues.

Clearly emotional, Phillips speaks about his late father (a former MSU strength coach) and his journey to ultimately earning the scholarship.