The Michigan Daily

Offensive tackle Jake Long was selected first overall in this year's NFL Draft. (AP PHOTO)

NEW YORK - For former Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long, Saturday's NFL draft held little suspense.

But that certainly didn't leave the day void of excitement.

From the moment NFL commissioner Roger Goodell introduced him as the draft's first pick, Long sported a beaming smile beneath his aqua and coral Dolphins cap.

A business-like tone and measured answers during his press conference at Radio City Music Hall couldn't hide Long's elation for actually living out every college football star's greatest fantasy.

"Even though I knew where I was going, I had my friends and family in the back room with me," Long said. "It was emotional."

His contract agreement with the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday - which makes Long the highest paid offensive lineman in the NFL and could yield as much as $57.75 million over five years - allowed him to spend the weekend in New York relaxing with friends and family.

But the reality of being the No. 1 pick didn't set in until Roger Goodell actually strutted to the podium and uttered one life-changing sentence:

"With the first pick in the 2008 NFL draft, the Miami Dolphins select Jake Long, senior, Michigan."

Long emerged from behind the curtain wearing a tan suit and clutching an aqua No. 1 Miami jersey that appeared far too small for his 6-foot-7, 313-pound frame. After shaking hands with the commissioner, he moved to the front of the stage, proudly posing as thousands of flashbulbs erupted.

At that moment - after a decorated Michigan career that included two consensus All-America honors and the 2006 and 2007 Big Ten lineman-of-the-year awards - Long had finally made it.

He is just the second Wolverine to be selected first overall, following Tom Harmon in 1941.

Other Wolverines selected in this year's draft include quarterback Chad Henne (2nd round, Miami), wide receivers Mario Manningham (3rd round, New York Giants) and Adrian Arrington (7th round, New Orleans), outside linebacker Shawn Crable (3rd round, New England) and running back Mike Hart (6th round, Indianapolis).

For Long's mother, Denise, the moment represented the culmination of years of anticipation. Long's family saw his potential to play professionally as far back as high school, but seeing him make the jump to the NFL in the most prestigious way still conjured up great emotion.

"We were a little nervous, but we're enjoying it," Denise Long said. "It's real now."

For Jake Long, the moment also brought a sense of relief that the draft process is over.

Since Michigan's season-ending victory over Florida in the Capital One Bowl, Long has endured months of workouts, evaluations and interviews, all leading up to one day. Now that the draft has passed, he can get back to doing what he loves most: playing football.

Long deflected questions about his sudden wealth, a potential budding rivalry with former Ohio State linebacker Vernon Gholston (picked sixth overall by the New York Jets) and calls from Florida realtors.

But he eagerly spoke about being excited to meet his new Dolphins teammates and familiarize himself with the coaches and playbook.

"I want to go in there and work hard every day," Long said. "I want to show my leadership that I have in college with the great work ethic, lead by example, and go out there and keep doing the same thing I've been doing."

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