Memphis Steals another SEC Recruit away with SS Alec Long
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
The building wave of momentum behind Memphis’ 2017 recruiting class is undeniable. Tough spot for the Tigers staff is they have now pushed their class to 24 commits with the Sunday addition of safety Alec Long.
College coaches started coming around on Long after a standout junior season. Long helped Liberty Tech Magnet (Jackson) to a 15-1 record in 2015 making a Class 3A run to the Tennessee state title game before falling to Christ Presbyterian Academy. The Crusaders used Long on offense at running back and quarterback seeing him standout on defense at safety and on special teams as a punt returner.
Long is that rare defensive player who could play any position in the back four including weak-side linebacker at the next level. Reminiscent of Arkansas Razorbacks Dre Greenlaw coming out of Fayetteville High School.
The Tigers kept Long away from SEC offers coming from Texas A&M, Missouri, Mississippi State, and Kentucky. Long posted his commitment on Twitter reading, “Blessed to say I’ve officially committed to The University of Memphis… #TigerFam #StripeEmUp.”
Memphis now has 24 verbal commitments with 10 of the pledges expected to play in the Tigers secondary once on campus. The Tigers recent run has included prized recruits like four-star tackle Obinna Eze and three-star corner TJ Carter.
Memphis Tigers 2017 Verbal Commitment List (24)
SS Zay Cullens, 5-11, 190, North Pontotoc HS, Ecru, MS
SS Quindon Lewis, 6-0, 155, Southmoore HS, Moore, OK
SS Alec Long, 5-11, 203, Liberty Tech Magnet, Jackson, TN
SS Marcus Mays, 6-1, 175, Edison HS, Tulsa, OK
SS Gervarrius Owens, 6-1, 190, Southmoore HS, Moore, OK
SS Malik Smith, 6-2, 200, Sheffield HS, Sheffield, AL
CB TJ Carter, 5-10, 180, Stratfor Comprehensive, Nashville, TN
CB Marcus Green, 6-1, 181, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, Miami, OK
CB Tamurice Smith, 5-9, 165, St. Paul’s Episcopal, Mobile, AL
CB Tito Windham, 5-9, 170, Northwest Mississippi C.C., Senatobia, MS
LB Cade Mashburn, 6-2, 210, Norman North, Norman, OK
DE Braylon Brown, 6-3, 227, Cordova HS, Cordova, TN
DE Elijah Harris, 6-5, 222, Liberty Tech Magnet, Jackson, TN
DE Jamal Woods, 6-3, 240, Hueytown HS, Hueytown, AL
DT O’Bryan Goodson, 6-1, 245, South Panola HS, Batesville, MS
OG Mikhail Hill, 6-3, 300, West Jefferson HS, Harvey, LA
OT Obinna Eze, 6-6.5, 279, Davidson Academy, Nashville, TN
TE Jared Edwards, 6-4, 255, Rhea County HS, Evensville, TN
RB Timothy Taylor, 5-10, 190, East HS, Memphis, TN
QB Will McBride, 6-0, 198, Clear Springs HS, League City, TX
QB Austin Upshaw, 6-1, 188, La Porte HS, La Porte, TX
WR Nick Robinson, 6-3, 205, Putnam City West, Oklahoma City, OK
WR Willie Wright, 5-8, 155, Raines HS, Jacksonville, FL
K Riley Patterson, 5-11, 170, Edwardsville HS, Edwardsville, IL
Photo credit: jacksonsun.com; No. 3 Alec Long forces a fumble.