Punter Marshall Long announced his verbal commitment to Virginia Tech on Thursday night.
"After much prayer and thought, I am blessed enough to say I've committed to Virginia Tech University," Long shared to his Instagram account. "Thanks to all those who have supported me and I hope to make you proud. Exit light, Enter night. GO HOKIES."
After much prayer and thought, I am blessed enough to say I've committed to Virginia Tech University. Thanks to all those who have supported me and I hope to make you proud. Exit light, Enter night. GO HOKIES A photo posted by Marshall Long (@marshalllong) on Jan 14, 2016 at 4:52pm PST
The 6-4, 225 pound South Rowan HS (China Grove, NC) product recently participated in the prestigious 2016 Army All-American Bowl, and kicker/punter guru Chris Sailer is bullish on his potential.
Marshall is an extremely talented punter. A great looking athlete, that is naturally gifted that has the perfect punting frame. He has as much talent as anyone in the nation. Punts for excellent distance and hang time. His consistency has improved tremendously. I expect Marshall to be a dominating college punter. Marshall is a fine young man with a great attitude and work ethic. Big time prospect.
The Key Play's Alex Koma recently detailed Long's scholarship offer from Tech and recruitment spearheaded by Hokies' special teams coordinator James Shibest.
Koma spoke briefly to Long about his commitment to the Hokies.
New #Hokies commit 2016 punter Marshall Long says he committed to special teams coach James Shibest last week, only telling people now.— Alex Koma (@AlexKomaVT) January 15, 2016
Long added his 3 earlier visits convinced him Blacksburg was right for him. Still plans to visit #Hokies next wknd, will cancel UGA trip.— Alex Koma (@AlexKomaVT) January 15, 2016
Long when he told Shibest he'd be committing to the #Hokies: "I don't know who was more excited, me or him."— Alex Koma (@AlexKomaVT) January 15, 2016
Long adds Shibest told him they want him to play all 4 years, but will still compete for starting job once he gets on campus. #Hokies— Alex Koma (@AlexKomaVT) January 15, 2016
Comments
Just remember laces out and we will be good!
Awesome!
Love the profile pic. My favorite album.
I know I'm beating a dead horse, but this is your friendly reminder you don't need to tweet a recruit or current player congratulations. Losing your voice on Saturday afternoons is a much more effective display of congrats!
#hokienation Twitter is getting out of hand.
I get not tweeting him begging to come, but why not congrats or welcome? Genuinely curious.
Until he signs it's an NCAA violation.
True, but so is faking academics and paying for boats and hoes for recruits but the NCAA isn't concerned with that either.
That's dumb. But so is the NCAA.
While that may be technically true, the reason why you shouldn't do it is because tweeting a recruit for any reason is just weird/ creepy.
Isn't weird/creepy the latest and best recruiting strategy? (See, for example, Harbaugh)
I'd argue no because 60% of the time, it works every time.
I'm with you (if you think it's ok). I see nothing wrong with congratulating them or favoriting the tweets. It feels good to have somebody congratulate you even if you don't know them.
I mean I'm lucky if someone favorites one out of ten of my tweets and when it happens I feel like a million bucks. No reason you can't make someone else feel good about the biggest decision they've made in their life.
It's just a good rule of thumb. You're intensions might be good and sincere, but it might come across wrong. I think of it like texting your ex. I bet you did come up with something great to say. How many beers have you had tonight? Just don't. 99.9% of the tweets are harness, it's just better to avoid being that 0.1% that gets the NCAA involved.
Except that it's nothing (at all) like "texting your ex".
How many have you had? Literally nothing you've said in this post is correct. Tweeting at a recruit to congratulate them on committing is 100% harmless. There is no way on this earth that the NCAA will ever punish schools for this.
VT Compliance has an issue with it and says don't do it, so I would say nothing he said was incorrect.
His point, while perhaps a bit caustic, is that neither NCAA or VT has any authority over a casual fan and what they can or cannot say on another incorporated entity's IP in the public domain. Only on boosters, coaches, athletes or anyone else voluntarily signed to a legal contract with the university and/or NCAA. Do I do it? No. Can you do it freely if unaffiliated to either school or NCAA? yes. Could it lead to a violation? Sure, it could but then NCAA would have to investigate every tweet equally, which is impossible. And Universities would have to accept unlimited liability for every person in the world, which will never happen.
The key there is booster.
As a poster here at TKP, you may be considered a booster in the eyes of the NCAA. A number of institutions have explicitly stated that message board posters cannot contact recruits (Cincinnati is an example). Tech does not have this highlighted but they also don't have anything about social media last I checked.
If you've ever been a member of the Hokie Club you are most definitely a booster.
The NCAA can write whatever policy or bylaws they want but that doesn't mean anything unless you voluntarily sign a contract with them or VT. if I only post to fan sites then I have zero legal affiliation to them or VT in any way whatsoever. I can contact whomever I wish, whenever I wish. The ONLY thing they could do is punish the university which leads back to my two premises above, being that they would have to investigate every tweet equally and universities would have to accept unlimited liability for everyone in the world. Neither of those are ever going to happen.
But hey, if you truly believe that an organization can simply write bylaws that can apply to anyone ever then let me introduce you to my company's new bylaw that states; if your user ID is "bigdaddy" on www.thekeyplay.com then you owe me a check for 1 million dollars if you reply to one of my posts, which well... it was enacted last week so.... I accept wire transfers or cash, no checks. Thanks!
(agree on Hokie Club, which is a booster organization so it's clear cut)
Except that the organization (NCAA) can simply write rules that apply to their member organizations (all the NCAA member organizations). So in your scenario it wouldn't be me that owes you a million dollars, it would be VT :)
The NCAA also relies on their member institutions to self regulate. Some are good at it, some are bad *cough*UNC*cough*. Kentucky has shown its good at it as it self reported impermissible contact between boosters and recruits through MySpace (http://www.ukathletics.com/news/genrel_072806aao_html)
Actually my scenario concerned arbitrary and non-actionable bylaws by an organization over private citizens with no legal affiliation. But you are demonstrating the larger point, which is as the private unaffiliated citizen you refuse to accept the penalty of 1 million dollars and push that onto the university, whom you think is responsible for it. however, similarly to you, the university will also never accept liability for that 1 million dollars. No way.
(i realize you were joking. Just making the point. thanks for good discussion!)
In regards to self regulating. Why do you think universities self regulate? Do you really think that is because they accept the liability for those tweets? No way. They are covering their ass by inundating the NCAA with meaningless tweets knowing the NCAA will never investigate, while at same time saying "look we reported it as suspect, so our work is done." But have you ever seen the NCAA penalize any university for a tweet made by a casual, unaffiliated fan?
Again, I think people need to focus on the morality of tweeting underage kids as an adult in effort to gain their personal interest. Not the bogus legality of the NCAA claiming everyone who has ever wiped their ass with VT toilet paper is somehow a booster and therefore a recruiting violation.
No, I don't think the NCAA would bother with investigating tweets. But I also don't want to make more work for the VT compliance people. Reminds me of the Weber compliance person who posted on a Weber message board after a recruit joined the board and a bunch of posters had a conversation with the recruit - to paraphrase "Don't do that; its an NCAA violation and now I have to report it".
Universities do monitor and report tweets - see Jeff Tower's (booster) tweet causing Rutgers to report an NCAA violation.
(from Maryland compliance office)
I'M EXCITED TO HAVE A PUNTER COMMIT
Marshall Long...there will be memes.
Yep, and I was definitely thinking "Long" is the perfect last name for a punter. A close 2nd was Jeff Saturday in college.
Certainly better than a field goal kicker named Bluitt.
Alright, Shibest, let's earn that $430k salary. Ray Guy Award in 2016!
Beat me to it! Big congrats to Shibest on this one!!!
Has he ever played linebacker?
I think that he'll bring something new and unique to the position. The Magic 8 Ball from when I was 10 confirms that he will score a TD during his tenure here. When I asked "How?" it became cloudy.
10+ years later I am still waiting on the Vinnie Burns fake punt he promised fans.
Wait, was Vinnie on the Sugar Bowl sidelines? Maybe he knocked out Coale and quick-changed into his uniform. It would explain a lot.
Or TE?
Punter Swag returns!!
All American punter?
Shame we'll never have to use him
Holder.
Wow, super optimistic. I'd rather be supprised than set up to be frustrated due to under-performance. They are just kids, even though very talented, let's let Coach Fuente and staff sime breathing room.
Don't get me wrong, I'd love to be right there with you enjoying a stellar team.
Coach Fuente is already shoeing him magic
I'm happy to see this gif catching on.
6'4 225? Between him and Slye we might have the only kicking duo that can sub in as linebackers.
Yes but can he play tight end?
*Quarterback
*Safety
(see Chancellor, Kam)
No they will bulk him up for OL! Oh those guys are gone. Never mind.
I watched the whole film waiting to see him make a tackle, but they always edited right after the punt was caught.
Excellent news. Welcome to Hokie Nation, Marshall! And may all of your punts bear resemblance to your last name.
Let's make sure to get his younger cousin, Mike Downedinsidethetwo.
Another Virginia Tech University mention, but at least he knows "Exit Light, Enter Night"
But how is his throwing arm? Can he take the 4th down QB position to a new level?
I like his hometown.
Squarely in the minority here, but I thought of this song first. #Appalachian
Yesyesyesyesyesyesyes.
Small numbers, but a powerful lobby.
Squarely, but people don't seem to care.
Since this song is actually about the China Grove that Long is from, I'd say you win.
I concede. Just trying to make a play on lyrics, failed miserably...again. Sigh.
It's ok. Have a leg. The one below was good.
Nice grab but I hope we never have to use him with this new offense!
#PuntingIsWinning
Is this our first all American punter since Vinny Burns? He ended up pretty good for us
You mean Vinny Boo-urns?
(I always found it funny that boo was used as a sign of affection in that case.)
ALL ABOARD THE HYPE TRAIN. CHOO CHOO MOTHER FUCKERS.
Wonder if he knows Stiney and Lefty are no longer around?
Stiney needs your prayers, it's true, but save a few for Lefty, too. Bye bye.
Well done.
The kids won't get it but beautifully done.
Awesome! And cancels UGA visit. Mr. Shibest tips hat and winks at new UGA special teams coach...
...at who?
I love it that he cancelled the visit to UGA. I really find it a commitment as pretty worthless when they commit and then take a bunch of visits. If you commit, you commit.....by the definition of the word, you can't commit and still be looking around.
commitment.
1.the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc.:
synonyms: dedication devotion allegiance loyalty faithfulness
2. an engagement or obligation that restricts freedom of action:
While I completely agree with you, I try to put myself in the position of the recruit. If I had a dozen top-tier college football programs asking to show me around and let me attend a game for free, it would be difficult to turn down that opportunity. But again, I agree with you that it's nice when a commit doesn't want to visit any other schools. Makes me feel like he's all-in.
You just have to realize anything before NSD is not a commitment. It's them taking an option to have a scholarship. Nothing wrong with a teenager exploring all potential options in a decision that will have a much larger impact on their life than it will any one of ours.
Disagree....if they aren't truly committed, then why do they say "I am committing to Virginia Tech University"
(you see what I did there?)
@kBrooksVT.....why can't they just hold off on a commitment until they have done all their visits. I am not trying to force these kids to make rush decisions or anything....just take your time, make the right decision and then stick to it. Don't commit a year in advance if you aren't ready.
Because the word commitment is arbitrarily and incorrectly used in this situation. It's even called a "non-binding commitment" which according to your definition is an oxymoron. They're using the verbal "commitment" to reserve a scholarship spot. If they wait while pursuing other options another player could "commit" and potentially lead to the scholarship now being off the table.
We can argue all day long whether we agree with the fact that a recruit can essentially use the "commitment" as a place holder until something better comes along. Personally, I have no issue with it given the impact finding the best situation will have on their future. I can understand that many others would have a huge problem with it. We can agree to disagree.
Well said. I am a the opposing side as well. If I were going to wait for something better why commit to one place. These kids go to camps and are on the phones with recruiters. I feel they should have a good idea if somewhere is going to offer. If they feel they are, hold off in committing. Give the schools that respect as well.
Didn't Dabo throw around conversation of and early signing period, right before the dead period I think.
Perhaps schools should just give out cheap imitation high school rings for "commitments" to wear on a chain around their necks.
The term intention would be more appropriate than commitment.
The funny thing is that "letter of intent" is the term we use for the actual commitment, while "commitment" is the term we use for a nonbinding statement of intent.
sorta like parking on a drive-way and driving on a park-way
That's what she said!
Perfect way to start my Friday!
Welcome sir. Always great to see another stout ball kicker join the ranks.
This is great news....
It hasn't been announced yet, but we also signed a kicker for our 2032 class today...it going to be a long wait but it should be worth it. He plans to take some official visits, so they won't announce until signing day in 2032.
Based on his tape, he appears to be a rugby style kicker...
Here is the other:
Actually this gif is from 1997, he plays for Michigan.
This gif pleases me
Dat picture update. #PunterSwag to the maximum.
Looks like he's decommitted.
Well that's a kick in the balls.
Seriously. Only committed for 14 days? whiskey tango foxtrot, batman.
That kid deserves a punt in the balls for getting my hopes up on us signing a beast punter.
I wonder if this is the shortest commitment we've ever had...
My money's on Mike Imoh...
iseewhatyoudidthere.jpg
I don't know about you but I refuse to accept any decommitments unless the phone battery is at 5% or less.
Well that makes roughly zero sense. Must have somehow had a really shitty time in Blacksburg
From 247, he rescheduled his official visit for this weekend.
hm. Strange. Kids will be kids though. Wish nothing but the best for him as long as he doesn't go to LOLuva or something.
Gotta be Georgia
What the hey, Coach Shibest? Wow.
Kickers! Letting you down at the worst times. Good luck at your next destinations
Or he has a flare for the dramatics
So...is it possible that we are seeing Shane's recruiting ability now that he left?
To be honest, if Shane's biggest steals are punters and kickers, then that's fine by me. To play devil's advocate, maybe our interest waned recently because we need the scholarship for another player? Who knows exactly what happened, and best of luck to the guy wherever he goes (UGA?). But it does free a scholarship for us.
I could understand this if it was a kid who committed a while ago under the old regime. A lot changes in terms of recruiting priorities and whatnot when a new coach comes in. I really doubt that our coaches went from "hey, we'd really like you to make your private commitment public" to "maybe we should see other people" in 2 weeks.
What kills me is that he's not even going to a school that's willing to go all in and offer a scholarship. That's harsh. That's like a chick turning down an marriage proposal because she wants to go on a date with another guy who's going to make her pay for her meal and ditch her halfway through the evening if he sees someone hotter at the bar.
I said this less than two weeks ago. Good call, self.
Oh well... Sorry to see he's now decommitting from Virginia Tech University.
Marshall Long is dead to me.
I don't usually root against punters, but I'll be making an exception in this case.
In fact, I'll be rooting against Georgia in general.