CORDELE — Friends, family and teammates gathered in the Crisp County cafeteria Tuesday morning as senior linebacker Jaquavian “Quay” Walker was recognized amongst the nation’s best high school football players.

Walker, a 6’4’’ dual sport athlete in football and basketball will be trading in his blue and yellow Crisp County uniform for that of the Under Armour All-American jersey.

Traditionally, there is a total of 80 players selected to the team. Last year, Crisp County defensive lineman Markaviest “Big Kat” Bryant, currently a freshman at Auburn University, was selected to play.

“It means a lot. When I was younger I always wanted to play in this game,” Walker said. “Now that I’m going to play in this game I’m not going to take it for granted.”

Walker has been on big college programs radar for the past two years racking up offers from Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Florida State and Oregon to name a few.

A steller junior season, where he recorded 109 tackles, 19 tackles for a loss and eight sacks led him to be named an ESPN 300 recruit and a four star prospect at the linebacker position.

As an elite high school  talent and a player that has people at the next level salivating over his talent, Quay molds his game currently after one player — Jacob Pugh.

Pugh is a senior linebacker for the Seminoles that is currently on the Butkus Award watch list, an annual honor given to the top linebacker in the country.

“His ability to pass rush and to be able to cover at the same time really stands out,” Walker said.

Crisp County Head Coach Brad had praise for the senior linebacker.

“This is something very special. There are millions of players that would love to be in this game across the country ,” Harber said. “Quay deserves it and has made his family and Crisp County proud. We’re looking forward to bigger and better things for you beyond this game and your college career.”

In addition, American Family Insurance Awarded former Cougar Coach and current University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Shelton Felton the Dream Champion Award for his support and encouragement of Walker.

“I want to thank Coach Felton for everything,” Walker said. “He is pretty much the reason why I am here today. He convinced me to continue playing football every now and then and to try again.”

For now, Quay will continue to strap it up for the No. 8 Cougars as they enter their region 1-AAA schedule.

Walker currently leads the team with 46 tackles through five games this season, one sack and five tackles for a loss.

The Under Armour All-American Game will be on Jan. 4 in Tampa.