Aug. 8, 2008

SAN DIEGO - The second in a daily series during fall camp, get to know freshman defensive lineman Jerome Long.

GoAztecs.com: Why did you choose San Diego State?
Long: During my visit here, I just felt comfortable with all the coaches and players that I met. I just felt like they really wanted me to be a part of their family, which is what I was looking for in a football team. My high school team was really like a family and we did well. And I just love the area. It's great here.

GoAztecs.com: What do you think of training camp so far?
Long: It's hard. It's more than I've ever done compared to high school. But, I think I'm getting better everyday and I think I'll be good to go by the time the season starts.

GoAztecs.com: How was your experience at Camp Pendleton?
Long: I thought it was good. I really learned a lot from all the Marines.

GoAztecs.com: What do you think about the city of San Diego so far?
Long: I was raised in Ventura, so I think there are a lot of similarities between both places. It just has that sort of homey feel to it.

Go Aztecs.com: What do you plan to major in at San Diego State?
Long: I want to major in chemistry, get my credential and be a teacher eventually.

GoAztecs.com: What did you do this summer?
Long: Coach (Jon) Francis sent me a workout routine that the coaches wanted to me to follow, so I did that the best I could. I think working out did prepare me to compete for playing time this season.

GoAztecs.com: What is your most memorable football moment?
Long: Last season in high school, we were undefeated in the regular season, which hadn't happened in a long time. We were the undisputed league champions for the first time since 1971 I think. It was such a great season because we won only one game during my freshman year. So going from one win to an undefeated season was special.

GoAztecs.com: Did you compete in other sports in high school?
Long: Wrestling and track & field. I finished in the top 12 in the state in wrestling. I only competed for two years in track, but I got to CIF, which is good.

GoAztecs.com: What has defensive line coach Mike Nelson been working with you on the most?
Long: My footwork and keeping my responsibilities and gap. He says I have potential, so he keeps telling me to push myself harder in order to reach his expectations and play.

GoAztecs.com: What are your goals for the upcoming season?
Long: To get a lot of playing time and stay with the second string as much as I can so I can be on the traveling squad and maybe start towards the end of the season.

GoAztecs.com: What is the one place you've never traveled to that you would like to visit?
Long: I've been to a lot of places already. But if I had to choose, it would probably be down to Mexico so I could learn about the Aztecs some more.

GoAztecs.com: Do you have any superstitions?
Long: Last year in high school, I never cut my hair during the season. Other than that, if I find a heads-up penny, I'll pick it up.

GoAztecs.com: What types of music to you like to listen to?
Long: I like a variety of things, except for country. I listen to a lot of R&B, some hip-hop and occasionally some rock and alternative.

Go Aztecs.com: If you were a contestant on "American Idol", what song would you sing if you made it to the finals?
Long: "Lean On Me" (by Bill Withers)

Saturday's profile: freshman offensive lineman Jimmy Miller