Jersey #: 59 (1997-99), 58 (1996)

Major: Sport & Leisure Studies (1998-99), Undecided (1996-97)

Weight: 320 (1998-99), 330 (1997), 305 (1996)

1999 Media Guide: Paris Long is a huge man who is athletic, has tremendous strength and has excellent footwork. He stood out in his first spring drills in 1998, “because of his size and because he moves so well,” tackles coach Jim Heacock said at the time, but a problem with academic credits kept this mid-year enrollee out of game action all last fall, although he did practice with the team. Time is on his side, though. Long is just a sophomore eligibility-wise and eyes will be watching his progress this fall as he competes along a talented Ohio State defensive line.

1998 Media Guide: Massive defensive tackle who has a bright future even though he has yet to play a down … moved to the defensive side of the ball prior to the Nokia Sugar Bowl and then stood out at the position this spring … tackles coach Jim Heacock says Paris “probably stood out the most of any defensive lineman this spring, probably because of his size and he moves so
well” … he is expected to challenge for a starting role this season.

1997: Redshirted the season as a true freshman.

1997 Media Guide: Planned to enroll last fall, but shoulder surgery in the summer delayed his enrollment until Winter Quarter of ‘97 … took part in spring practice last April and impressed the coaching staff with his all-around athletic ability … came out of spring drills as a backup on the left side … lacks experience but has already shown a great deal of promise … this will be a learning year for him … was also a standout defensive player in high school and could get a look there with the Buckeyes.

High School: Had over 50 tackles and 10 sacks as a senior … All-America selection by SuperPrep … Associated Press first-team all-Ohio defense (Division III) … Rated the 43rd best defensive lineman in the country by SuperPrep and the 23rd best player in the Midwest … Ranked the third best offensive lineman in the Midwest by Bluechip Illustrated … Rated the 53rd best player in the Midwest by Prep Football Report … Rated the 10th best player in Ohio by The Ohio Football Recruiting News … played second singles on the tennis team … High school coach was Tom Dunlap.