Hall of Fame
Joe Long was a four-year football letterwinner (2008-11), who received the Gene Upshaw Award as the top Division II offensive/defensive lineman in the country as a senior in 2011.
The 2011 GLIAC Offensive Lineman of the Year, Long started all 49 games at left tackle breaking the school record for both career and consecutive starts.
A four-time all-league performer (First Team in 2010 and 2011, and Honorable Mention All-GLIAC in 2008 and 2009), he blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher all four seasons (Joique Bell in 2008 and 2009, Josh Renel in 2010 and 2011, and Toney Davis in 2011). Â WSU rushed for 9,808 yards in his 49 games and compiled a 35-14 record. Â
In 2011, Long was a First Team All-American selection by four different organizations (Associated Press, Daktronics, D2Football.com and Hansen's Football Gazette) along with being voted the Super Region 3 Offensive Player of the Year by Hansen's Football Gazette.
During the 2011 NCAA playoff run, Long helped pave the way for the Warriors to rush for 1,038 yards and 15 touchdowns in the five games.
A two-year All-American, he was selected to the 2010 D2Football.com Honorable Mention All-America squad as a junior.
A native of Lapeer, Long earned his degree in secondary education, and was a four-time GLIAC All-Academic Team honoree. Â Five different semesters he earned Academic Honor Roll accolades, including two terms on the Athletic Director's Honor Roll (term gpa 3.5+).
In April of 2020, Long was selected to the D2Football.com All-Decade (2010-2019) First Team.
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