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'05 Ohio TE/LB Brandon Long (Michigan State signee)

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Kids in this class.

I am a little concerned about him getting to go to MSU. I talked to their LB coach tonight and they are going to go after a Florida Juco kid at LB. Stupidly, I did not ask about their stance on Brandon.

I really like Brandon a lot, as a player and person, and hopes it works out for him.
 
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http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?Category=17&ID=190837&r=1

Eagles’ Long commits to Michigan St.
Thursday, November 4, 2004 By CHRIS BEAVEN Repository sports writer
PLAIN TWP. — Like most kids growing up in Ohio, Brandon Long spent Saturdays rooting for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

That changed last week.

The GlenOak High School senior football star orally committed to Michigan State, making him instantly a Spartan.

“When I was watching the Michigan State-Michigan game, I was thinking this is my team now officially,” Long said.

The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Long has more pressing interests Saturday. He will lead the Golden Eagles into their first playoff game in four years when they visit Toledo St. Francis.

“Things are pretty great, especially making the playoffs,” Long said. “I know getting this scholarship is a real big deal, and I’m happy, but getting in the playoffs is important.”

Long has enjoyed a strong senior season as a defensive end-linebacker. He has made 66 total tackles with 12 tackles for loss and five sacks. He also has 25 quarterback hurries and has drawn 14 holding penalties. He also plays tight end.

“He’s overcome a couple of injuries,” GlenOak head coach Jack Rose said. “... they’ve slowed him down a little. He worked through all of that.”

Long is GlenOak’s second player to commit to a Division I-A program. Receiver Brian Hartline, out for the season with a broken leg, committed to Ohio State this summer.

Long said he could end up at inside or outside linebacker, tight end or defensive end.

“They liked my size and athleticism,” said Long, who ran a 4.51 40-yard dash at Ohio State’s summer camp and has a vertical leap of 37 inches. “I’ve got speed and versatility along with a pretty decent frame.”

Rose thinks the Spartans might try Long at tight end. “Because of his speed, he can be a threat down the middle, and they can get some good matchups.”

Rose loves what Long has done as a defender. “He’s relentless,” he said.

Long will join a former GlenOak teammate at Michigan State, freshman defensive end Nick Smith.

“That helped,” Rose said. “And I coached with two guys on that staff when I was at Kent, Chris Smeeland and Reggie Mitchell. ... I know they have been on Brandon a long time. They really liked him.”

Long speaks with Smith often. “He’s getting about 20 snaps a game there, which is pretty good,” Long said.

Long’s visit to Michigan State for its game with Notre Dame in mid-September sold him.

“I loved the place,” he said. “I loved the coaches, and I have the possibility to play early like Nick. Everything fell in place for me. It’s closer to home than some of the others schools.”

Long had offers from Iowa, Indiana and Cincinnati, and he was being recruited by Ohio State.

“It’s exciting,” Long said. “But it gets nerve-wracking. ... It gets a little hectic. But it turned out good, and I’m happy with my decision.”

He will be in a new position this weekend when OSU visits Michigan State.

“People keep reminding me they lost to Michigan last week,” Long said. “I hope they beat Ohio State.”
Click to expand...
 
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