VIDEO: Justin Long Interview 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – For the second time in as many days, Carson-Newman defensive end Justin Long (Kingsport, Tenn.) has earned a postgame plaudit for his two blocked kicks against Newberry. 

The Tennessee Sportswriters Association has named Long the defensive player of the week for the Volunteer State. He becomes Carson-Newman's first defensive honoree since Jaycob Coleman (Norton, Va.) produced a 17-tackle performance against Tusculum on homecoming in 2013. 

Both Andy Hibbett (Corryton, Tenn.) and De'Andre Thomas (Milledgeville, Ga.) were lauded as offensive honorees by the TSWA last season. 

Long was also named the AstroTurf South Atlantic Conference Special Teams Player of the Week for his two-blocked kick performance.

"It's great," Long said. "It's something most teams take off, but we emphasize giving effort and trying to get in there for a block.  The guy beside me (fellow defensive lineman) Brian Bembry emphasized us getting a push and getting off the ball quick.  I'd say it worked out in the long run."

Long's first block came as time expired in the first half.  The junior surged through the middle of the line and got his extended right paw on Ryan Janssen's 36-yard attempt to preserve the Eagles' 20-14 lead at the time. 

Two drives later, Newberry marched its way down to the Eagles' eight only to have their drive stall out.  This time with All-American punter Kyle Clark in the game for the kick, Long once more lurched through the heart of the line to deflect Clark's 25-yard attempt and preserve the 20-20 score. 

Long joins kicker Carson Wise (Blacksburg, Va.) as SAC Special Teams Player of the Week honorees this year.  It marks the first time since 2012 that Carson-Newman has brought home special teams player of the week honors in the same season.  All-America kicker Curt Duncan earned special teams player of the week honors four times during his junior season. 

The two-blocked kick performance is just the second multi-blocked kick performance in school history, joining Jarrett East-Brown's two blocked kicks against Mars Hill in the regular season finale in 2012.

Long and the rest of the Eagles will be on display Saturday at 1:30 at Wingate.  Coverage for the Eagles' matchup with the Bulldogs begins at 12:30 on the Eagle Sports Network on Joy 620 (WRJZ-AM, Knoxville), Mountain Country 106.3 (WPFT-FM, Sevierville) and online at cneagles.com/live.