Former STAB standout Long signs with Oregon

It’s been a long road for former St. Anne’s-Belfield football standout Kyle Long.

After high school, Long went to Florida State to play baseball but struggled to adjust and then got in trouble when he was arrested for driving under the influence. After leaving Florida State and regrouping, Long went to Mission Viejo, Calif., where he spent the past two seasons playing football at Saddleback Junior College.

The decision has paid big dividends.

After heading West, Long stared on the offensive line for the Gauchos, earning him multiple offers from high-profile Division I football programs. On Wednesday afternoon, Long took the next step in his journey as he signed to play for Chip Kelly and the Oregon Ducks.

“I’ve learned that hard work pays off,” Long said. “I’ve learned a lot and that everything happens for a reason.”

Long was the anchor for a Saddleback offensive line that allowed the Gauchos to average 40.5 points a game and more than 500 yards per game. Long earned first-team All-Conference and All-American honors in 2011. Mark McElroy, who has been the head coach at Saddleback for 13 seasons, has coached plenty of talented offensive lineman, but he says Long stands out among the rest.

“He’s extremely athletic and quick,” McElroy said. “He’s 6-7, 260 pounds and he moves around much quicker than that. He’s without a doubt the best tackle I’ve ever coached.”

Long’s outstanding play did not go unnoticed as he started to gain interest from major college programs all over the country. In early December, Long took an official visit to the University of Oregon. Long was blown away by his experience in Eugene, and the Ducks instantly became the favorite to land his services.

“After I first saw Oregon, I knew where I wanted to be and where I felt comfortable,” Long said. “After the visit. I knew they were the school to beat.”

Long verbally committed to Oregon on Dec. 18. The month and a half leading up to signing day was filled with plenty of drama for the University of Oregon. After the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fired head coach Raheem Morris, it was heavily rumored that Ducks coach Chip Kelly would leave Oregon to coach the Bucs. Kelly kept Oregon fans and recruits on the their toes for several days before ultimately deciding to return to Eugene.

“It kind of made me think a little bit,” Long said. “A lot of coaches who have had success at the college level have moved on to the league. That’s part of football. I’m just glad he’s coming back.”

The Ducks are coming off their third straight Pac-12 championship and a Rose Bowl victory over Wisconsin. Many notable offensive players from the 2011 team will not be coming back next season including quarterback Darren Thomas, and running back LaMicheal James. Starting left tackle Darrion Weems has used up all of his eligibility, leaving an open starting spot at left tackle. Long plans to enter training camp in the summer and compete for the starting job.                                              

“My goal is to go in there and try to learn that offense and get up to speed,” Long said. “Hopefully I’ll have a shot at starting at that left tackle position.” 

Kelly made it clear that Long will have an opportunity to play for the Ducks immediately.  

“[Long is] just a tremendous prospect that will have an opportunity to come in and play right away,” Kelly told reporters Wednesday.