Elijah Long Elijah Long 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB/RB Dalton | 2028 GA is just one of the many talented linebackers on the roster, and many would state that he is the captain of the defense, as he is someone the defense needs on the field at all times. He will also be someone who you can tell isn’t on the field if he comes off the field at all. Long is going to become one of the better linebackers in the state, and is someone I am watching closely in 2026. Make sure you keep an eye on Long this season, to say the least.

The first thing to note about this talented prospect is that he has gotten much bigger this offseason. He is looking to become the Mike linebacker of the defense, and has the chance of doing so, as he is by far one of the better defenders on this team. He did a great job in pass coverage, which is where he shone in this event. I believe the talented prospect out of Dalton is only bound to have a huge season and will be one of the tackle leaders in 2026.

Elijah Long Elijah Long 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB/RB Dalton | 2028 GA is already a captain for the Dalton Catamounts and is already racking up offers. Long has done a great job growing as a linebacker after seeing some reps at running back in his first season with the Catamounts. His second season was great, as he held his own and is getting better on a day-by-day basis. Long has done a great job when it comes to filling a hole. Long will have the biggest impact on others.

Long is one of my favorite players in the state, and he is picking up some huge offers ahead of his junior season. He received a new offer in the month of January, which followed his initial offers in the month of December. He received an offer from the Kennesaw State Owls, which is a huge in-state offer. Long has been proven to be a top linebacker and is someone who will continue to grow in the Dalton system. He plays both linebacker and running back, but at this time, it seems that the schools he is being offered from would like him to possibly play linebacker.

A tough North Georgia linebacker who knows how to hit behind his pads, Long plays fast, shows strong instincts against the run, and has no problem being physical. He takes on blocks, can fight them off, and shows impressive pursuit to the ball-carrier. One of the region’s top 2028 defenders, Long is fresh off a consistent sophomore season where he made 69 tackles. He made at least eight tackles in five games last year and should be even better as a junior in 2026. He flashed easy D1 potential last year and could be one of the top linebackers in North Georgia for the 2028 class with another strong season next fall.

One of the better players in the 2028 class in his area, and he is someone who has found his stride on the defensive side, despite being a running back early on. Long was phenomenal this season and is extremely quick when it comes to getting to a running back. He is someone who won’t get burned down the sidelines at this level, and is one of the more polished linebackers there is, especially in the northern part of Georgia. He has solid hips and will be someone who can play at the next level.

Elijah Long Elijah Long 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB/RB Dalton | 2028 GA is one of the better players on the Dalton roster, and his role has become more visible on the defensive side of the football, which leads me to believe he will be a key player in this one, especially when they have hopes of preventing big plays in the run game. He is also someone who could see offensive snaps, as he is an underrated running back for the Catamounts. They have yet to win a football game, but this one feels winnable for the Catamounts.

There is a reason Long is a captain for this team. he has been able to see the field on both offense and defense, but mainly the defensive side. He is extremely talented on the interior of the second level. He is the most athletic linebacker in the area and is someone who has a lot of upside. He has great size to him and is a great run stopper. Truly a good football player that will only get better as he grows in this Dalton system.