#USA #Slippery Rock #NCAA #Brayden Long

Brayden Long Achieves Historic Academic Honor

In a remarkable achievement, Brayden Long, a graduate of Slippery Rock University and former quarterback, has been recognized as the 2024-25 NCAA Division II Academic All-American of the Year. This prestigious award, presented by the College Sports Communicators, is bestowed upon only four student-athletes nationwide, reiterating Long's exceptional academic prowess amidst a competitive field of over 134,500 student-athletes in Division II.

Long's journey to this accolade is nothing short of inspiring. He graduated in 2024 with a perfect 4.0 GPA in sport management, making him a standout both academically and athletically. The award honors one athlete from each NCAA division along with one from the NAIA, showcasing the highest standards in both education and sports. Long's achievement marks him as the first athlete from Slippery Rock, and he is also celebrated as the first male student-athlete from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) to receive this national honor.

Prior to this recognition, Long had an impressive track record. He was previously named the PSAC Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year, an honor he achieved twice, solidifying his reputation as one of the top scholar-athletes in the state’s athletic conference. This recognition is part of a broader series of accolades Long has received, including the 2024 Football Academic All-America Team Member of the Year and being a finalist for the prestigious William V. Campbell Trophy, often referred to as the "Academic Heisman."

Long's accolades don't end there. During his time at Slippery Rock, he led the football team to impressive rankings, including reaching the national semifinals with a final record that positioned him as one of the leading quarterbacks in Division II football. He compiled impressive stats, totaling 3,470 passing yards and scoring 34 touchdowns, a record that cemented his legacy in the university's football history.

His performance on the field has been matched by his academic diligence. In addition to his impressive GPA, Long has received multiple All-PSAC, All-Region, and All-America honors, underscoring his dual achievement in both academic and athletic realms.

Beyond the classroom and the football field, Long's leadership qualities have shone through, earning him respect from coaches and peers alike. SRU head coach Shawn Lutz remarked, "Brayden is the kind of special student-athlete that doesn't come along very often. We are so proud of him for the way he represents himself, our football program, and our University both on and off the field."

Moving forward, Long has taken the next step in his career by becoming a full-time assistant coach at Shippensburg University, where he will focus on coaching quarterbacks and wide receivers. His expertise and experiences will undoubtedly contribute to the development of the next generation of athletes.

In conclusion, Brayden Long's recognition as the NCAA Division II Academic All-American of the Year is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the embodiment of what it means to be a student-athlete. His legacy at Slippery Rock University will inspire future students to balance academics and athletics successfully. As Long prepares to face his former university in an upcoming game, he carries with him not just the accolades but the hopes of many aspiring athletes that come after him.