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Troup senior linebacker Qua Birdsong is an All-American. Birdsong was presented with his commemorative 2024 Under Armour Next All-American Game jersey recognizing his selection to play in the 16th Under Armour Next All-America Game on Jan. 3, 2024, in Orlando, FL. in Troup’s gymnasium on Thursday, making it feel more official.

“I found out about a year ago, and it was really special,” Birdsong said, flashing a big smile. “It was not surprising, but it felt really good.

“We are going to be playing with the best of the best. There is no average player there.”

The gym was packed with coaches, players and family, all there to support a special talent and an even more special individual.

“It feels really good to have all my brothers in here with me,” Birdsong said of the teammates in attendance. “We have been together since like seventh or eighth grade, so we have a strong bond and strong chemistry and we’ve been together every step of the way.”

The game in Orlando will be a homecoming in many ways for the Tigers. While he is no native of Orlando, he is committed to playing at the University of Central Florida and could be calling Orlando home in the not-so-distant future.

“Not too many athletes get a chance to have an opportunity like this, so I’m grateful and glad God put me in a position to do what I do,” Birdsong said. 

Birdsong is one of a kind. He has a tenacious desire to constantly improve.

“The thing about Qua is he wants to be good,” Troup coach Tanner Glisson said. “He works really, really hard at it. I don’t think we have ever had a kid as competitive as Qua.”

After an all-state performance as a junior, Birdsong has continued to elevate his game. The senior flies around to the ball and leads Troup with 41 total tackles, 17 more than the next-highest tackler on the team.

Since arriving at the Troup school system in middle school, Glisson has been there every step of the way for Birdsong.

“Coach G has been on my butt for a while,” Birdsong said with a chuckle. “He loves me, not only as a player, but as a student and loves me like a son. He doesn’t show me any mercy and that is what I love about Coach G. I’m so glad I had someone like him come into my life and help mentor me.”

This is Birdsong’s final stretch of games with Troup as the Tigers have just two regular season games left on the docket. With a playoff spot already locked, Birdsong now has his sights on even bigger goals.

“We are winning the region championship and then going on to win the state championship,” Birdsong said, once again flashing his million-dollar smile. 

Birdsong is one of the best players in the history of the Troup football program. He already has a laundry list of accolades and accomplishments and continues to add to his legacy.