July 29, 2009

Chris Long was one of few bright spots for the St. Louis Rams during the 2008 NFL season. As a rookie, he started every game at right defensive end, gaining valuable experience in just one year as a professional. Now the Rams look to the former Cavalier to lead a team that has finished 2-14 the last two seasons.

Long put up some impressive numbers in his rookie campaign. He logged four sacks on the year, which tied him for second among NFC rookies. He also led the Rams with 16 quarterback pressures, and was eleventh on the team with 40 tackles. Long also forced a fumble against the Redskins, and was key in that contest to St. Louis earning its first win of the season.

The former Cavaliers' success comes as no surprise to Virginia fans. Long tallied 14 sacks in his senior season back in 2007, which ties him for the third best sack total in a season. Long's 22 career sacks tie him for seventh on the all-time list at Virginia. He took home ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2007, and St. Louis took him with the second overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Long and the Rams open up preseason play on August 14 against the Jets. Their first regular season game is at Seattle on September 13. Click on the above video link to hear Long's thoughts on what he hopes for his future football career.