Steve Longa Named Sporting News Freshman All-American
Dec 13 | Football
PISCATAWAY, N.J. (December 8, 2013) – Rutgers redshirt freshman linebacker Steve Longa (Saddle Brook, N.J.) has been named to the Sporting News Freshman All-America first team, it was announced today. Longa is the first Rutgers player to earn Sporting News Freshman All-America first team honors since current San Francisco 49ers RT Anthony Davis in 2007.
Longa leads Rutgers defensively with 111 tackles in 2013. He is the first RU freshman with 100-plus tackles in a season since Courtney Greene earned Freshman All-America honors in 2005. The last Rutgers middle linebacker to total 100 tackles in a season prior to Longa was former NFL standout Gary Brackett in 2002 with 130.
The Saddle Brook native has been one of the key factors in Rutgers’ stout run defense, which is currently ranked No. 4 nationally. He leads all freshmen nationally in total tackles and tackles per game.
Longa and the Scarlet Knights close out the 2013 season Saturday, December 28 at the New Era Pinstripe Bowl versus Notre Dame. Kickoff is set for noon on ESPN.
Rutgers’ Sporting News Freshman All-America Selections
2013 Steve Longa First Team (LB)
2007 Joe Lefeged Honorable Mention (DB)
2007 Anthony Davis First Team (OL)
2005 Courtney Greene First Team (DB)
2004 Jeremy Ito First Team (PK)
2001 Alfred Peterson Third Team (DE)
