Willingboro High School wide receiver Chris Long is getting interest from some of the top college football programs in the country.

Chris Long was tentative at first. That’s what usually happens to sophomores when they’re breaking into the high school varsity football level for the first time. They carry that wide-eyed, wondering look trying to grasp the speed, the size, the terminology and physicality of their new world.

So, Long, a speedy 6-foot-2, 175-pound cornerback and wide receiver, took a step back and absorbed. He began making mental notes. He began to gradually realize that he could play at the high school varsity level and succeed—and very possibly beyond that.

It’s already happening for the junior two-year starter. Baylor, Duke, Louisville, Kent State and Massachusetts have tendered offers to the rangy Long. Expect more to come as Long continues to physically mature and grow into his body.

Long is running routes with far more authority this season. He knows where he’s going on the field and he’s certainly gained the attention of opposing coaches as the Chimera’s deepest threat. In two games this season, he’s caught 14 passes for over 200 years. Chimeras were 1-2 entering the fourth week of the season.

“I am attacking things more this year, and it feels great,” Long said. “Last year, I would have a bad game and that brought my confidence down. I’ve learned a lot since then. I was quiet. I let some of the criticism get to me. Things used to get to me. I learned to refocus quicker. I’ve learned to leave mistakes on the field and not carry them around with me. I don’t listen to criticism. I still listen to my coaches, but the other junk I block out.

“I would like to reach 1,000 yards receiving this year. I would like to catch 40 passes. It helps knowing the quarterback.”

It should.

Willingboro sophomore quarterback Ah-shaun Davis is Long’s first cousin on his mother’s side. The two have been playing together since Long was five.

“Chris is receiving some big-time interest from schools,” said Chad Hallett, from Adrenaline Sports Performance, in Cherry Hill, N.J. “Chris catches the ball well, he’s very athletic and fast. He’s a hard worker who’s going to be very special. I would say he’s still growing into his body and has a lot of room there to add muscle and get faster.

“We did speed training this past season and this was my first time really working with Chris. We saw him get more explosive and he’s already a 4.4[-second in the 40-yard dash] guy. What I like is that Chris is a real humble kid, but what really surfaced is Chris became a leader. He made sure everyone in his group showed up this summer and were on time for their workouts. He held everyone accountable. He’s only going to get better in time.”

Last summer at Hallett’s Adrenaline Sports Performance was the first time Long truly invested in an off-season conditioning program.

“I feel stronger,” said Long, who’s being recruited primarily as a wide receiver. “The college offers have made me think I can really do this. I love the game and I love running routes. My biggest goal is I want to help Willingboro win a state championship before I graduate.”