Trey Birdsong, Cornell’s ‘home run hitter,’ is thriving on the football field again after injury wiped out sophomore season

MOUNT VERNON — From the womb to the tomb. The phrase indicates a person’s lifelong love or dedication to something. For Cornell College’s Trey Birdsong, his passion for football was evident from before he could speak.

“My first word when I was a baby was ‘ball.’” Birdsong said. “I’ve always been obsessed with football as soon as I came out of the womb.”

Birdsong has carved his niche as a scoring dynamo for the Rams with aspirations of continuing his football career after his time on the Hilltop. The wide receiver and return specialist has returned from injury that wiped out last season to score in every game this season, entering Saturday’s game against University of Chicago at Ash Park.

“He’s our home run hitter,” Cornell Coach Dan Pifer said. “We try to get it to him as many ways as we can and let him do it.”

Birdsong was bit by the football bug as early as 6 years old. He would head to the football field multiple times a day with his dad, Buddy. Birdsong also skipped vacations to stay home and do something related to football. He also watched his older half-brother, Josh Scott, play football. The desire to surpass his achievements fueled his fire to stand out on the football field.

“I was seeing what he was able to and my goal was to outdo him,” Birdsong said. “I’ve been competitive since I was a kid. I want to be better than the guy next to me. I took it on as a challenge. My dad helped me run with it and it just kept going.”

Birdsong was a multiple sport athlete. Football was atop the list, but he also played baseball and basketball and ran track. He said skills from one sport transfer to another, making him a better overall athlete for the Rams.

“It was a lot of traveling and a lot of money spent,” Birdsong said with a laugh. “I would say youth need to be able to play more than one sport. I can’t tell you how many times baseball helped me in football or track helps me with speed.”

The Rams had to play without their big-play threat last season. In a preseason workout, Birdsong broke his ankle when a teammate rolled into him from behind. He recalled the exact day — Aug. 17. He had surgery six days later. A plate and eight screws were attached to his fibula.

“It was a freak accident,” Birdsong said. “There was nothing you could do to stop it. It’s just one of those things that happened and I remember it as if it were yesterday.”

Birdsong was idle, wanting to be active but straining to walk. He started 20- to 30-yard sprints in January. Birdsong had a breakthrough in spring training and finally felt 100 percent healthy again.

Birdsong lost his sophomore season but gained perspective as he agonized as a spectator. He has applied the experience to each workout and activity.

“I think it showed me a valuable lesson to take a day off in practice,” Birdsong said. “You never know when it’s going to be your last day.”

The man who helped plant the football seed in Birdsong’s mind was also key in raising his spirits during his toughest setback in the sport. Birdsong recalled daily phone calls from his dad, encouraging him to keep his head up, keep forging ahead and focusing on the 2023 season.

“I’d say my dad was my biggest motivator throughout the process,” Birdsong said. “My dad has been my mentor and leader. I took his words and just ran with them this year. It’s showing all my hard working the past.”

Birdsong returned to competition for the season opener against Coe on Sept. 2, his first game since a victory over Grinnell on Nov. 13, 2021. Birdsong controlled his excitement, but it wasn’t easy.

“Emotions were through the roof,” Birdsong said. “It was my first game since freshman year. I never missed a season, a game or a practice since I was 6 years old. Missing an entire year definitely makes you feel some type of way.

“You don’t know where you are talent-wise anymore. I just came out with my all. Once I saw everything, I knew all the time and work I put in paid off.”

The game started a run of touchdowns in each of Cornell’s first six games, extending to seven overall including the 2021 finale versus Grinnell.

Birdsong returned a punt 55 yards for the Rams’ only score against Coe. He also had an 83-yard kickoff return for a TD in a 43-6 loss to Monmouth and a 15-yard TD reception accounted for Cornell’s only points against Lake Forest.

The 5-foot-8, 165-pounder from Cabot, Ark., has 27 catches for a team-high 410 yards and five TDs. He also has 20 rushing yards and has produced 1,018 all-purpose yards. Birdsong has produced 42 of the Rams’ 122 points this season.

“I don’t look at it as I want to score a touchdown,” said Birdsong, who had 419 offensive yards and a TD as a freshman. “I want to get the team a win. I let the game come to me. I don’t force the game because when you force the game, negative things occur.

“I try to let the game come to me and control what I can control.”

Birdsong plays multiple roles. Special teams are his favorite. He welcomes the opportunity to use his natural ability and be spontaneous.

“I like offense and being able to make plays on that side of the ball,” Birdsong said. “I would say punt return is what I like the most.

“When they’re running down, I have a free space that I get to work around and be creative. I can make a couple guys miss and use my speed to my advantage.”

Team accomplishments rank above his personal results. His highlight was the comeback win over Ripon (Wis.) College and he credits his teammates for the strides the program has made, posting a 3-3 overall record and 3-2 mark in the Midwest Conference, tying Chicago for fourth.

Birdsong has received support from teammates in his three seasons.

“These guys at Cornell are special,” Birdsong said. “You could have the worst day of your life but as soon as you walk in, they change your attitude right around. We have a great chemistry and team bond. We just have a great group of guys and it’s nice to know I’m sitting next to people who care about the sport. They’re willing to give everything they’ve got.”

Most NCAA Division III careers end when college eligibility does. Birdsong said he hopes to play at the next level. He has lofty goals beyond Cornell.

“I want to play at the next level after college,” Birdsong said. “I’m going to do whatever it takes to play in the A-League, XFL, USFL, Germany, Canadian Football, NFL or whatever it is.

“This is something I want to extend and make a career out of.”

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com