Mr. Football making big impression

MALCOLM LONG South Carolina State Bulldog fans got a glimpse of their quarterback of the future on Saturday.

And former Gaffney High star Malcolm Long didn't disappoint.

In his most extended playing time of the season, Long earned honorable mention honors from the MEAC after completing 5 of his 8 passes for 174 yards and two touchdowns against Howard. For the season, Long is 12 of 26 for 251 yards and one interception.

He has a passing efficiency rating of 144.94, which would lead the conference if Long had played in more than five games.

Long entered the game with the Bulldogs up 24-0 in the second quarter. The former South Carolina "Mr. Football" made an impression right away with a 73- yard scoring toss to "Tre" Young. The two hooked up on a 50- yard completion in the fourth quarter.

South Carolina State coach Buddy Pough praised Long's performance.

"You got a chance to see what we hope is a sign of things to come," Pough said. "He had a couple of balls that he threw that were real nice balls and it's going to be fun to work with his development over the next few months."

But Pough said don't look for Long to challenge for the starter's spot this season.

"We still have a lot of work to do to get him to the point where he can play at the level that (starter) Cleve (McCoy) plays at," the Bulldog coach said. "Once you get them softened up some, it's always easy to go out and kind of beat up on people after somebody else has already gotten to the point where they're just trying to get through the game.

"But Cleve's our guy and we think Malcolm is going to be our guy. You're better off when you understand your role and can go out and work at making sure that role is successful."