University of South Dakota Athletics

In the long history of Coyotes football, Ben Long ranks as one of the hardest hitting and most effective linebackers in school history. Long, originally of Cedar Rapids, IA, was a 6-2, 214 pound middle linebacker who led USD in tackles three straight years. Long starred for USD from 1976-80, logging a school record 143 tackles (81 solo tackles) in 1978 in leading South Dakota to its last North Central Conference championship. The Coyotes overcame a 1-3 start to finish 7-4, including a 5-0-1 conference mark. An honorable mention all-American selection (Associated Press) in 1978, Long had three quarterback sacks and recorded a safety as USD defeated Nebraska-Omaha, 21-3 for the NCC title in a regionally televised game in 1978. A two-time all NCC choice (1978, 1979), Long earned all-American honors in 1979 and was named the league's Most Valuable Defensive Back. In 1979, he had three interceptions and tackles. As a sophomore, he had 113 tackles. He was drafted in the 10th round of the 1980 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins.