Long Signs With Shorter

A Stephens County High School two-sport athlete will continue his athletic career at the next level.

Mason Long signed to play both baseball and football at Shorter University in Rome, Georgia last week.

Shorter University plays at the NCAA Division II level in the Gulf South Conference, playing alongside schools like Valdosta State and the University of West Georgia, along with other schools in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Tennessee.

Long said he is excited to take on the challenge of playing two sports in college.

“I am honored and excited to play,” said Long. “I cannot wait. It is a big opportunity. I am blessed to have another four years at both sports.”

Meanwhile, Stephens County High School Head Football Coach Frank Barden said Long had a great year and is reaping the benefits of that.

“He just has that ability to be a game-changer,” said Barden. “He is definitely a dual threat at quarterback, can throw it, can run it. All the things that he has put into it, if you put them here at the end of the season, with him making all-region first team quarterback and all-state honorable mention and now the opportunity to play on Saturday, all that is just a culmination of him, what he put into it.”

On the football field, Long said he expects to line up at quarterback at Shorter, who runs a triple option offense.

Meanwhile, he expects to play the outfield on the baseball diamond.

Off the field, Long said he plans to study exercise science for a career in physical therapy.