VT A Finalist For Army All-American Punter Marshall Long

Photo of Long accepting his U.S. Army All-American Bowl nomination.  Photo by Wayne Hinshaw (Salisbury Post)
Photo of Long accepting his U.S. Army All-American Bowl nomination. Photo by Wayne Hinshaw (Salisbury Post)

Following in the footsteps of his father, who was a punter in high school, Marshall Long began punting his sophomore year at South Rowan High School (China Grove, N.C.). Just two years later the 6’4”, 225-pound prospect turned in an outstanding senior season, averaging 46.5 yards per punt including a 75-yard effort.

“I would say [punting] came natural because my dad punted in high school, but I also worked really hard over the last three years to be one of the top punters in the nation,” wrote Long, who estimates he has competed in 25 camps the past few offseasons. “Hard work is something my dad showed me and I knew that was the only way to succeed. I couldn’t rely solely on natural talent.”

Sure enough, Long is now considered one of the top punting prospects in the class of 2016. He was selected to the 2016 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, an experience he called “amazing.”

“I was fortunate enough to spend a whole week with the top players in the nation and get to know them,” Long recalled. “It was an honor to be able to represent the Army as well.”

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