Kyle Long to Bring Family Name
Back to UVA?

Was it tough to see Virginia strike out on Kyle Long the first time around when he was being recruited in 2007? Had to -- this was when Chris Long had possibly the most high-profile season for any Cavalier in history while his famous father looked on.

It would only make sense if Kyle followed in his brother's path, but instead, he chose to play baseball at Florida State. For Virginia fans, it was the equivalent of finding out the girl you were pining for turned out to be a lesbian. Sure, it sucks to a certain extent, but there's a comfort knowing it's not really a reflection on you.

As it turns out, Kyle withdrew from FSU after one semester and has been taking classes at the nearby Piedmont Community College. Which leads to an obvious question -- is Kyle ready to do what Virginia fans believed was right all along?

While no one's confirmed anything yet, it's looking like Kyle's got his eye on being the latest multi-sport prospect that Al Groh turned into an offensive lineman. There's a big caveat, though, about as big as Kyle Long himself, who towers over "big" brother Chris at 6'7", 280 pounds.

I imagine being a Florida State baseball player leads to certain advantages and distractions, and Kyle wasn't getting it done academically. Being closer to home (and privy to physical threats from Howie and Chris) will likely make him straighten up and fly right, and believe you me, I've known lesser academic talents from less famous families that were granted leniency from UVA's legacy factor in admissions. If Kyle passes muster, he'd have to sit out 2009 as a transfer before having three years of eligibility starting in 2010.