Prep Redzone Iowa last wrote about Long eight months ago, when he was coming off a productive 2024 as an Earlham sophomore. It was time to check in with the Cardinal lineman’s development during his junior campaign this past fall. On defense, he recorded 30.5 tackles, 25 of which were solo stops. Long came up with 9.0 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks. When viewing his ?s=20" rel="nofollow">11th-grade highlight video, we can see how he operates in pursuit of the football. Long does a great job holding the line as a defensive tackle. He’s powerful and doesn’t give up ground while doing so, and separating from blocks is not a problem with his strength and active hands. Long finished as a state runner-up in wrestling this winter. He understands the value leverage and keeping the pads down. Long moves well laterally and in a straight line. His skill set could also play on the offensive line at the next level.

Long has a strong sophomore season of 2024 on which to build. He piled up 30.0 tackles (20 solo, 1.0 TFL) and two fumble recoveries, mauling opponents in the middle of the defensive line. Long is quick off of the snap and in getting around blocks. He uses his hands well in avoiding and disengaging from them. Long shows that during his 10th-grade highlight video. He carries his weight well and moves quick laterally. Long’s skillset also would work on the offensive line, if a college saw that as his best path.