DEFENSIVE END
BAYLOR 6-3 257
Wichita Falls, Texas
(199th overall)

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The fifth-year senior had a breakout season in 2004, establishing himself as a fine edge rusher with the ability to flush the quarterback out of the pocket. While excelling on the field, he also performed well in the classroom, graduating in August 2004 with a degree in Communications. His tall, lanky frame, long arms, large hands and excellent foot speed could see him shift to linebacker at the pro level.

Long was slowed by a nagging ankle sprain his senior year at Rider High School. He collected 122 tackles and seven sacks as a junior while also leading the Raiders in quarterback hurries. He ranked among the state’s top defensive linemen by Texas Football magazine, was named to the school’s honor roll and received a U.S. Achievement Academy National Award. Long also lettered in basketball.

Long redshirted in 2000 at Baylor and played in seven games as a reserve the following year, coming up with 15 tackles and a 4-yard sack. Long played in 11 games, earning four starts at weakside defensive end in 2002. He sat out the Texas clash after suffering a head injury vs. Texas Tech, but still made 41 tackles (24 solos) with 4½ sacks and seven stops behind the line of scrimmage. A knee injury in the first minute of the 2003 Southern Methodist game would keep Long out of the Colorado and Sam Houston State games. He ended up starting eight games as a junior, finishing with 31 tackles (21 solos) and 1½ sacks.

Healthy for an entire season, Long produced a career-high 58 tackles (36 solos) with two sacks and eight stops for losses in 2004. He finished his career with 145 tackles (88 solos), nine sacks for minus-50 yards, 19½ stops for losses of 63 yards and 14 quarterback pressures in 39 games. He started 22 of those contests, adding two forced fumbles and four pass deflections.

All-Big Twelve Conference second-team and Super Sleeper Team selection by The NFL Draft Report…Started ten games at left defensive end, recording a career-high 58 tackles (36 solos), including two sacks for minus 7 yards, eight stops for losses of 13 yards and eight quarterback pressures…Caused a fumble and deflected a pass.

Alabama-Birmingham…Started the season off by sacking QB Darrel Hackney for a 2-yard loss and making 8 tackles (6 solos).

Texas State…Followed with four solo tackles and a pressure.

North Texas…Added three hits, including one for a 3-yard loss and two pressures.

Texas…Totaled 8 tackles (4 solos) as he twice stopped tailback Cedric Benson for losses.

Missouri…Delivered 6 tackles (4 solos) and a pressure.

Nebraska…Came up with a stop for a loss, a pass deflection, a pressure and six tackles.

Iowa State…Registered 7 tackles (4 solos), a 5-yard sack and a pressure.

Texas A&M…Blocked a punt to set up a Baylor field goal and was in on two tackles while also causing a fumble.

Texas Tech…Had a pressure and three hits.

Oklahoma State…Made another three tackles and stopped tailback Vernand Morency for a 1-yard loss.

Oklahoma…Tackled tailback Adrian Peterson for a 1-yard loss and closed out his career with a pressure and 8 tackles (6 solos).