Terrell County’s Detravion Bishop selected to playin Army All-American Bowl

DAWSON — Wednesday afternoon, Terrell County quarterback Detravion Bishop shook hands with Army representatives after putting on his All-American Bowl jersey. The light reflecting off the jersey competed with his bright smile as he stood there posing for pictures.

The senior was named to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. For him, it’s not just about being the first in school history to achieve that, but about representing his city on a national stage.

“Coming where I’m from, you’ll never know if you’ll get noticed on a bigger level like this,” he said. “I just want to thank my coaches again and my parents for pushing me to be the best I can.”

Friends, family, coaches and teammates herded into the gym to watch the announcement, all cheering throughout. Bishop addressed the crowd, expressing his gratitude to those who supported him along the way. Afterward, he said he hopes to inspire those up-and-coming athletes in the area to continue working toward their goals.

“I feel like it’s a big blessing coming our way,” he said. “Every athlete growing up around here, don’t stop. It doesn’t matter where you’re from. It can always be achieved.”

Assistant coach Raphael Kirby, who was selected to attend the coaches’ camp, said Bishop already has made a significant impact in the community.

“As a natural leader, he has helped the younger children in the community strive to be athletes, and not just athletes, student athletes,” he said. “Before he became an athlete, he was a student and he’s a great student. Him being a great student athlete has really opened up doors for us attracting children that wouldn’t normally play sports.”

He said Bishop’s success should help them attract more student athletes and really grow their program.

“Normally during football practice, we have maybe five or six young kids that come by to see him, to see who he is,” Kirby said. “And just by them coming out there and seeing what we do, they have really become interested in playing football and just being a part of our athletic program.”

When the two head to San Antonio in January, Kirby said he’s looking forward to displaying the fundamentally sound style of play the Greenwave pride themselves on. Bishop added he’s looking forward to reuniting with old friends as well.

“A lot of the guys, I’ve met in the senior all-star game,” he said. “So I’m just looking forward to playing ball with them and putting on for my city.”

Kickoff for the 2017 U.S. Army All-American Bowl will be at 1 p.m. Jan. 7. The game will be broadcast live on NBC.