Boston College’s Hunter Long selected by Miami Dolphins
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. (BVM) — Boston College’s pass-catching tight end Hunter Long heard his name called on day two of the NFL Draft when the Miami Dolphins selected him with the 81st overall pick.
The Eagles’ productive tight end reeled in an FBS–high 57 receptions for his position, while ranking second in receiving yards behind Florida’s Kyle Pitts in 2020.
“I think Hunter is a complete tight end,” Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley said. “He’s so smart. He’ll pick up an offense extremely quickly. He’s got the size and blocking ability to line up as a tight end with his hand in the ground, and then he has the ability to flex out, move around and create some mismatches. He’s got great hands and can catch the ball, and he’s a threat in the red zone.”
The redshirt junior racked up 89 catches, 1297 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in his three–year career with the Eagles. He became the program’s highest–drafted tight end after a career year in 2020. The former three-star recruit helped lead Exeter High School in New Hampshire to a state title win in 2015 before arriving at Boston College.
“He’s a pro,” Eagles tight ends coach Steve Shimko said. “He prepares like a pro. He practices like a pro, and obviously he performs on the field like a pro. As far as his preparation, Hunter comes to meetings with questions and knows the game plan inside and out. It allowed him to play 100 miles per hour with no checkups and no hesitations. Things like that will make him a pro.”
Long participated at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. back in January and was on the list of participants for the NFL Combine before the event was canceled. He impressed scouts with his ability in the passing game in his two-day stint at the Senior Bowl.
“The Senior Bowl, especially in this year, was a huge step for all the guys that went there,” Long said following his Pro Day workouts. “I felt I had a really good week and met all 32 teams, talked with them and met other coaches. I was only able to do two practices because of an injury, but I felt like I showed what I can do with those practices. I showed some improvement from the season and I really got feedback.”
Long will join former Boston College star linebacker and current Miami head coach Brian Flores on an up-and-coming Dolphins team that surprised with 10 wins in 2020.
