The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/130469
where are they now? The Jake Long File Michigan Accomplishments: One of the most decorated offensive linemen in Michigan's storied history … Four-year starter, first at right tackle (2004), then at left tackle (2005-07) … Earned second-team All-Big Ten recognition and Freshman All-America honors from Rivals.com in 2004 … Earned Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year and first-team All-Big Ten recognition in 2006 and 2007 … Made the Outland and Lombardi Trophy watch lists in 2006 … Finalist for both awards in 2007 … Consensus first-team All-American in 2006 and a unanimous first-team All-American in 2007 … Hugh H. Rader Award winner as Michigan's best lineman, 2006-07. Professional Accomplishments: NFL's No. 1 overall draft pick in 2008, going to the Miami Dolphins … Started every game his first season, earning NFL all-rookie honors … Four-time Pro Bowl selection, 2008-11 … Started every game for the Dolphins his first three seasons, missed two with injuries in 2011 and four in 2012 … First-team All-Pro, 2010 … Second-team All-Pro, 2009 … Ed Block Courage Award, 2011 … Pro Football Weekly All-Rookie Team, 2008. Michigan Memory: Long didn't receive draft grades after an outstanding 2006 season, choosing to return for his fifth year despite being projected as a first-round NFL pick. U‑M started 0-2 before rebounding to make a run at a Big Ten title, falling just short. "Those first two games against Appalachian State and Oregon were definitely tough, but I was really proud of the guys," he said. "We had a great senior class. We all stuck together when people were trying to rip us apart. Coach [Lloyd] Carr kept us focused and we just put our heads down and started rattling off some wins." Michigan faced Ohio State with a Big Ten title on the line, but injuries to quarterback Chad Henne and Mike Hart played a big factor in a 14-3 loss. Long's best memory in a Michigan uniform came in the 2008 Capital One Bowl, a 40-34 win over Florida. "That was one of the best games — and memories – of my collegiate career, that last bowl game," he said. "It was the first bowl win for our class and Coach Carr's last game. We were able to get that win for him and it was the first bowl game win as seniors. It might be one of my greatest memories ever." Education: Long earned his bachelor's degree in 2008. Family: Long and his wife, Jackie, recently bought a home in St. Louis and are in the process of their move from Miami.