John Long has quickly established himself as a dedicated and accomplished student-athlete at Rice University, showcasing his talents both on the football field and in academics. A two-time honor roll recipient and a consistent presence on the offensive line, Long’s journey with the Rice Owls is one marked by perseverance and achievement.
Long’s commitment to excellence is evident in his academic accolades. He was named to the C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll in 2022, highlighting his strong academic performance. This achievement was followed by recognition on the AAC All-Academic Team in 2024, further solidifying his dedication to his studies while balancing the demands of collegiate athletics.
On the gridiron, John Long has demonstrated his value as a reliable offensive lineman. After redshirting in 2021 to develop and acclimate to the college game, he began to see playing time in 2022. That season, Long participated in 12 of 13 games, impressively starting in 10 of those at the right guard position. He ranked third among offensive players, accumulating 700 snaps, a testament to his growing role and dependability on the team. His debut came during special teams play against USC, and by the second week against McNeese, he had earned a starting position, showcasing his rapid progression. He reached a career-high of 87 offensive snaps in a game against Louisiana, illustrating his stamina and impact. While an injury sidelined him for a significant portion of the 2023 season after an initial appearance against Texas, his contributions in 2022 underscore his potential and resilience.
Prior to joining Rice, John Long built a strong foundation at Lampasas High School under Coach Troy Rogers. As a three-year starter, he garnered significant recognition, earning All-State, All-Centex, and all-district honors during his junior year. His senior year statistics are equally impressive, averaging 14 pancake blocks per game, totaling an astounding 141 knockdowns across 10 games and over 350 in his high school career. Recognized early in his career, he was listed as a Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Top 40 Offensive Lineman and among the state’s top 100 players as a junior. Notably, he faced fellow Rice teammate Blake Boenisch in a high-stakes playoff game in 2019, contributing to Lampasas’s successful run to the state semifinals. Beyond football, Long also participated in powerlifting, further demonstrating his athletic versatility. His academic achievements extend to high school as well, earning Academic All-District honors.
Off the field, John Scanlan Long was born in Kent, Washington, to parents Daniel and Nora Long. He is pursuing a major in Sports Medicine & Exercise Physiology at Rice University, reflecting his interest in the science behind athletic performance. He is a member of Duncan College at Rice, engaging fully in the university’s residential college system. John Long embodies the ideal of a student-athlete, excelling in both academics and athletics, and is poised to continue making significant contributions to the Rice Owls program.
