April 4, 2007

Chris Long is one of 42 defensive players on the 2007 Lott Trophy Watch List. The award is presented to the Defensive Player of the Year in college football.

Long continued to shine in a Cavalier uniform last season, ranking fourth in tackles among ACC defensive lineman. The rising senior put up a career high 57 tackles, as well as five sacks.

Long returns as the face of a team that returns 19 starters from last year's squad that finished 5-7, but looks to use experience to its advantage in 2007. As a sophomore, Long gained valuable experience in his first year as a starter, lining up beside Brennan Schmidt, and playing in his second consecutive bowl game.

The Lott Trophy is presented on December 9, while the Cavaliers kick off their season on September 1 at Wyoming.