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The University of Central Florida’s football season did not go according to plan, wrapping the season with a 4-8 record, but as the season went along true freshman Qua Birdsong began to see the field.

The Troup alum (class of ‘24) recorded at least one tackle in three total games for the Knights. Unless you are at the absolute apex of your recruiting class, it is extremely difficult to see action at the Division I level as a true freshman. 

Birdsong is not just some freshman, however. Everybody got a glimpse of that outside of Troup County when he led Team Ice with five tackles and 2.5 tackles for a loss at the Under Armour All-American Bowl during his senior season at Troup High. 

Birdsong registered a tackle against Arizona and Florida earlier in the season for the Knights and wrapped his season on Friday against Utah with his best collegiate showing so far, making two tackles. 

That was a familiar sight for Troup Tigers fans who saw Birdsong rack up tackle after tackle in blue and gold. Birdsong finished his senior season at Troup with 63 tackles, five TFL, 1.5 sacks, one INT and two fumbles forced. 

Birdsong was a two-star at Troup, regularly featuring as a tight end on offense. He was named an All-State player as both a sophomore and junior. 

Birdsong was rated a four-star prospect by Rivals and ESPN coming out of Troup. He was ranked 25th nationally among outside linebackers by ESPN, 32nd among all Georgia players by Rivals.

Now that he is in a college weight room, Birdsong is bigger, stronger and more physical. With another offseason under his belt, Birdsong will have an even bigger chance to make an impact in 2025.