When the Patriots play the Dolphins in the regular season finale this Sunday, former Boston College tight end Hunter Long will officially wrap up his rookie season in the NFL.

Long was a third round pick for Miami in last year’s draft. The former Eagle has appeared in seven games and has just one catch on three targets this season, but that’s mainly because the Dolphins have two very good tight ends in Mike Gesicki and Durham Smythe ahead of him on the depth chart.

As a local guy who grew up in New Hampshire and then played over in Chestnut Hill, there are many folks intently following Long’s progress. Whether it was the draft process last year or what he’s seen on the little bit of film Long has this season, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has noticed him becoming a bigger part of the Miami offense.

“He’s getting more and more opportunity here recently,” Belichick said during his Friday media availability. “We have noticed him. Saw a little bit of him in preseason but wasn’t a big factor in the game. We’re starting to see him a little more in their offense. They’ve used him more and I’d say there’s a little more variety in what he’s doing, so I’d say he’s starting to gain their trust.”

There’s a familiar face working with Long as the tight ends coach in Miami as well. Co-offensive coordinator and tight ends coach George Godsey first started coaching in the NFL in 2011 with the Patriots as an offensive assistant and tight ends coach.

“He’s obviously gained the trust of coach Godsey and the offensive staff,” added Belichick. “George coached the tight ends when he was here, so I know George has a real good appreciation and understanding for the position. I’m sure they like the future of him, he’s got a couple good players in front of him with Smythe and Gesicki, so it’s probably not real easy to get play time there and they don’t use a lot of 13 personnel like Cleveland did.”

There is still an avenue for Long to continue earning playing time in Miami and Belichick has certainly taken notice of the progress he’s made.

“They’ve really become more of a 12 (personnel) team and he’s started to…I mean, they probably use more 12 personnel than any other team in the league, some of that has probably been due to wide receiver injuries, but it’s been productive for them and he’s starting to work his way in there.

“I think this is a guy that down the road, we’re going to see a lot more playing time from him. Rookie year is tough for everybody, especially when you have good players ahead of you with Gesicki and Smythe in particular, but he’s starting to work his way in there which is impressive.”