Former Norfolk State LB Tyler Long Transfers To Austin Peay

Former Norfolk State linebacker Tyler Long has announced his transfer to Austin Peay. Long announced his transfer from Norfolk State on November 23 after the conclusion of the 2022 season. He will have one year of eligibility left as a graduate transfer for the Governors. 

They ain’t believe in me but this ain’t for them to believe in! Thank you God 🖤 1000% Committed @CoachjjClark @Coach_Mac51 #LLA #LLN #LLL pic.twitter.com/MWLp5qnBOZ

— Grindtime™️ (@TylerLong__11) January 18, 2023

Long started his collegiate journey at the junior college level at Lackawanna College. He was named to the All-Northeast Conference second team after helping Lackawanna make an appearance in the NJCAA National Championship in 2019, in which he totaled 16 total tackles for the Falcons. 

In his first season at Norfolk State, Long led the Spartans in total tackles (78 Tackles) and was a Second Team MEAC All-Conference selection. Long exploded for another impressive season in 2022 as he was a consensus First Team MEAC All-Conference selection. He ended the season with 106 total tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble. 

RELATED: The Bluebloods 2022 MEAC All-Conference Team

“I felt that Austin Peay was a great choice for me because of the amount of love that I was showed,” said Long when asked why Austin Peay was the place he wanted to conclude his collegiate career. “I felt it was nothing but genuine love. They seemed to really care about you as a person first and a player after.”

Austin Peay had one of the best defenses in the country last season as the Governors had multiple FCS All-American selections on the defensive side of the ball. The Governors led the ASUN in seven defensive statistical categories including scoring defense, total defense, and yards per play allowed.

RELATED: The Bluebloods 2022 FCS All-American Team

Long believes he will fit right into the defensive scheme and the expectations will not change as he looks to make his case for the NFL next season at Austin Peay. 

“I expect to fit right in. I played in a 3-3-5 scheme at my junior college so I already have a feel for how it works. I feel that this defense will show what I’m really capable of this season. My expectations for this season is to simply be great and show the scouts that I can play football at a high level consistently and that I am ready for the next level.” 

Austin Peay will look to repeat as ASUN conference champions next season. The Governors open the 2023 season on the road on September 2 against Southern Illinois.