2025 Interview with David Long from Unioto


David Long

Unioto

LB, HB, TE, WR, QB, P

2026

6’1” 219

Jerseyr #10

Awards won or earned

2024

1st Team All-Scioto Valley Conference

1st Team All-Chillicothe Gazette—Linebacker

Honorable Mention OPSMA All Southeast District

Unioto HS Football Most Valuable Defensive Player

2023

Honorable Mention All-Scioto Valley Conference

Honorable Mention, All-Chillicothe Gazette

With this being your final high school football season, are you preparing any differently during the off-season?

I look to leave everything I have out on the field. Every ounce of effort, leadership, and discipline. I want to look back on my career and not regret anything.

If you could change one rule in high school football, what would it be and why?

I'd add a 2-minute warning. I think this is a great way to build suspense in games at all levels of football.

What is the thought process when you, as a quarterback, throw into double coverage?

I believe that a quarterback should take as little risk as possible until it is necessary. So, if I am throwing into double coverage, then I know that it’s a last-ditch effort, and it was the only choice.

What do you feel is the strongest part of your game?

I’d say that it’s my ability to diagnose and deliver under pressure. I’ve always seemed to deliver a more accurate ball with someone in my face.

What are you looking forward to the most this season?

Playoffs. It's been my dream since I was a kid to be on a strong and disciplined team, and the best way to show that is to go on a deep playoff run.

What type of defense do you like facing the best?

4-3 cover 4. It’s certainly the most common in my area, and I’m more familiar with the reads depending on different passing and running concepts than any other defense.

What is the best part of being the quarterback for Unioto High School?

When I have played quarterback, I enjoyed the thrill the most. The whole appeal of high school football is the energy that comes from Friday night lights. It’s great from all positions, but the responsibility and spotlight of the quarterback make it special.

What is the toughest part of being a student athlete?

Homework. I spend a lot of time thinking and imagining games at home as I get very mixed emotions. I get nervous and excited, and it takes away from my focus on whatever I’m doing.

How long have you been punting, along with how you got into it?

My dad was a punter, so it was something I learned to do from a young age. Anyone can drop-kick a ball, but few can get a spiral, hang-time, and distance using good mechanics.

Which win over your high school career has meant the most?

Zane Trace sophomore year. The loss to them freshman year was a rivalry loss, which ended our undefeated hopes while giving them the opportunity to go 10-0, which they did. Winning that game sophomore year kind of showed us that no title is safe forever.

Which loss has stung the most?

West Holmes playoff game. Getting blown out in the playoffs the past few years, we finally came to play. We worked as a unit to physically dominate most of the game. The thing that makes it so unfortunate is that the loss was preventable, and we most definitely should have won.

If you are hearing from any colleges, could you name some of them?

So far, I have visited Northwestern, Army (West Point), Bowling Green, Toledo, Denison, Otterbein, and Mt. St. Joseph. I have attended camp at Ohio State, Bowling Green, Lehigh, Findlay, Ohio Dominican, and Otterbein.

I’ve heard from a lot—I’ll just list those I’ve heard the most from or have been invited to visit (or have visited):

D1 FBS—Northwestern, Maryland, Army, Bowling Green, Western Michigan, Toledo, Akron, UNC Charlotte

D1 FCS—All of the Ivy League except Columbia; Lehigh, Georgetown, Marist, Tennessee-Chattanooga, Furman, Monmouth

D2—Ashland, Findlay, Lake Erie, Tiffin, Saint Anselm, Minot State, Colorado State—Pueblo

D3—All of the NCAC, all of the OAC except Baldwin-Wallace and Mount Union; Case Western, Hiram, Washington & Jefferson, Waynesburg, Carnegie Mellon, Bluffton, Mt. St. Joseph, Carroll, Wesleyan, Hamilton, WPI, Gettysburg, St. John Fisher, Rochester, Bates, Amherst, Middlebury, and Bowdoin

Where is the best spot in your area to grab a pizza?

Pizza Cottage (Circleville)

What are your favorite and least favorite types of music?

Favorite Dad Rock

Least favorite—rap

What scares you?

It’s almost over. I’ll have more football experiences after this, but nothing compares to Friday night lights.


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