Interview with Washington State OLB Travis Long

A real test of a man is how he recovers from adversity. Suffering an ACL injury in your senior season is a pretty tough blow for a talented football player who had played in forty seven games straight prior to that injury.  Personally I am betting that Travis has a full recovery and a long and successful NFL career.   Here is a little of what Travis shared with me the other night.

Footballdialogue: What is your official height and weight?

TL:  I am 6’4” 202

Footballdialogue: What other sports did you play in high school?

TL:  I played baseball up until my junior year and basketball all four years.

Footballdialogue: I saw in high school that you blocked three punts and had three interceptions.  What is a better feeling?

TL:  Definitely blocking a punt. 

Footballdialogue: What other offers did you have coming out of high school?  

TL:  I had offers from Boise State, Oregon State and Montana.

Footballdialogue: How did you come to choose Washington State?  

TL:  After my initial visit to Boise State I went to Washington State and just fell in love with everything about it.   I loved the campus, had a great visit and knew Pullman was going to be the place for me.

Footballdialogue: I saw that you started every game you played at Washington State during your career (47 straight).  With that said what game sticks out the most?  

TL:  The win against Oregon State my sophomore year.

Footballdialogue: If a scout asks for Travis Long at his best, what game film would you give him?  

TL:  Against Colorado in either 2011 or 2012. 

Footballdialogue: Who was the best player (s) you faced while in college?

TL:  As far as teammates, I would say Alex Hoffman-Ellis.  He is a great leader.   As for opponent, I would say facing Andrew Luck--was not a lot of fun but he’s a great player.

Footballdialogue: What is your best memory of your days at Washington State?  

TL:  Apple Cup winthis year.  My guys went andgot that for me.  I’ll neverforget them for that. 

Footballdialogue: How are the knees? What exactly happened?

TL:  I tore my ACL and my meniscus, but am three months into recovery and doing everything the doctors and my physical therapists tell me to do.

Footballdialogue: If I said the Pacific Northwest doesn't get enough media attention, when it comes to football would you agree or disagree?  

TL:  Neither, I would say we have some very good players up here and get a fair amount of attention but I would say on the high school level we could use some more exposure, as we have some great guys that don’t get enough attention.

Footballdialogue: Who was your favorite NFL team or player growing up?  

TL:  My first jersey was Peyton Manning when I was a kid so I became an Indianapolis Colts fan, but now I am certainly a Seahawks fan.  Also a big fan of Dwight Freeney

Footballdialogue: What is your degree in? 

TL:   I have a business management degree.  I achieved that in three and a half years. 

Footballdialogue: Can we follow you on Twitter?  

TL:  @TLong89