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Lipscomb Academy linebacker Bryan Longwell chooses Vanderbilt after late recruiting rise





Lipscomb Academy senior linebacker Bryan Longwell committed to Vanderbilt on Sunday. He will sign with the Commodores this week.Courtesy of Lipscomb Academy / Harrison McClary

Lipscomb Academy senior linebacker Bryan Longwell committed to Vanderbilt on Sunday. He will sign with the Commodores this week.Courtesy of Lipscomb Academy / Harrison McClary

Bryan Longwell entered his senior season at Lipscomb Academy with a chip on his shoulder.

The three-star middle linebacker held about a dozen offers from FCS and Group of Five schools last August, but no program from college football’s highest tier had given him their full stamp of approval yet.

“I was mad I had been underrecruited, in my eyes, that whole time,” Longwell said. “I wanted to prove to everybody that I’m better than they think I am.”

Longwell channeled his frustration into production for the Mustangs, and Power Five teams noticed.

The late-rising prospect announced his commitment to Vanderbilt on Sunday after he wrapped up his official visit. He chose the Commodores over Arizona State, his other finalist.

“It’s honestly a dream come true,” he said. “I’ve been grinding at this for my whole high school career. It feels almost surreal that I’m able to achieve something that only like one percent of people get to do. It’s really humbling. I can’t wait to get there and keep putting the work in. I’ve only just started.”

 

 

Longwell finished the 2022 season with 108 total tackles (63 solo), 21.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and two interceptions. He was a cornerstone of Lipscomb Academy’s defense that allowed just 7.2 points per game in an undefeated run to its second straight TSSAA Division II-AA state title.

“Our defense was super advanced,” Longwell said. “We had great coaches who prepared me for that next step. I think it showed on film. My knowledge of the game was attractive (to colleges).”

Longwell’s breakthrough came when Auburn extended an offer in late October. Colorado also offered after Deion Sanders was hired in early December.

Though Vanderbilt didn’t issue an official offer until mid-January, Longwell had been in contact with the Commodores coaching staff for some time.

His visit last weekend sealed the deal.

“Getting into the building and seeing the new enthusiasm from the coaching staff and all the buy-in for Vandy football and wanting to make it great again was awesome and something I wanted to be a part of,” he said. “They play in a great conference, and that’s also what I wanted.”

Longwell, who began his high school career at Clarksville Academy, was initially placed at edge rusher when he transferred to Lipscomb Academy in 2020. He earned a spot at his preferred position of middle linebacker a year later, totaling 98 tackles (46 solo), 13 tackles for loss and five sacks as a junior.

Longwell said the Commodores recruited him at middle linebacker. Vanderbilt freshman Langston Patterson (Christ Presbyterian Academy) plays the same position, while early enrollee Ethan Crisp (Mt. Juliet) is an outside linebacker.

“Middle (linebacker) has the potential to make plays in space, stop the run game and get some interceptions,” Longwell said. “It’s kind of a jack-of-all-trades position. I enjoy doing all of it.”

Longwell is set to ink with Vanderbilt on Wednesday, the first day of the NCAA Division I football regular signing period. Lipscomb Academy will also honor defensive back Mark Johnson (Valparaiso), fullback Joshua Rubin (UAB) and wide receiver Dylan Wroblewski (UAB) with a ceremony that begins at 11:35 a.m. in the school’s gymnasium.

Longwell plans to be ready to prove himself again when he gets to West End.

“Signing is not the end, it’s the beginning,” Longwell said. “Everybody is Power 5 (caliber) there. I’ll need to get used to the speed and get my mental (approach) right.”

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