It only makes sense that Austin Long has become one of the nation's top offensive line prospects and the News Sentinel's third-best prospect in the state.

The 6-foot-5, 270-pounder from Briarcrest Christian in Memphis certainly has the pedigree.

Long's father, Tim Long, played offensive line at Memphis 1981-84. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 1985 and also spent time with the San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts.

Austin Long, who committed to Georgia in April, has benefited from his father's teaching.

Tim Long, who serves as Briarcrest's offensive line coach, has coached his son since he began playing football.

"Even when he was really young I could see he understood the game and what it took to be successful," Tim Long said. "Watching him grow and evolve has been an interesting thing.

"Every year you could see him grow a little bit and become more aggressive, stronger and a little bigger."

Austin Long's personal growth is what led him to choosing Georgia.

Long said he first met Bulldogs coach Mark Richt at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes football camp in North Carolina last summer.

Since then, Long said he's been able to appreciate Richt as a person and not just a coach.

"How he handles his players and everything is great," Long said. "He's a great Christian man.

"He's not going to dog-cuss you in front of everybody. He'll work with you the best he can without screaming and yelling."

Long knows he'll have plenty to work on when he arrives at Georgia.

Dominating opposing high school defenders is one thing.

The SEC will be a different matter.

"In the SEC you're going against the top players in the country every single play," he said. "Playing in the SEC, almost every player you play against will probably go to the NFL. You have to put everything you have into every play."

For now, Long plans to put everything into his final season at Briarcrest.

The school hasn't had a winning season since Long arrived in 2005.

Before that, Briarcrest won state championships in 2002 and 2004.

Tim Long said his son is becoming a better leader with the hopes of finishing his senior year with Briarcrest back on top.

"Now I see it day by day," Tim Long said. "He's been talking about the upcoming season and focusing on being successful and getting the program back to where it once was."

Austin Long said his success is a result of his father's guidance.

"I owe it all to him," Long said. "From helping me handle the recruiting process to coaching. As a coach and as a dad he's really been a big help."

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.