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Bryan Schwartz came to Augustana in the fall of 1990 from Miller, SD with great athleticism and a ton of potential. After four years, the potential was realized and he left Augie as one of the great linebackers in Augustana football history.
Bryan earned numerous accolades during his stellar career for the Vikings. He was a three-time selection to the All-North Central Conference team and was named the league's outstanding defensive back in 1994. He was chosen to three All-America teams, was the only non-Division I player nominated for the Butkus Award in 1994, and led the North with six tackles and a fumble recovery for the 46th annual Senior Bowl. He owned the school record for career tackles (407), the season record for unassisted tackles (66), and the season record for total tackles (128).
A great student as well, Bryan was a two-time academic All-NCC selection and received the Stan Marshall Award as the top male student-athlete in the North Central Conference for 1994-1995.
Following graduation, Bryan became the highest National Football League pick in Augustana history when he was selected in the second round by Jacksonville in 1995. The standout linebacker was the first defensive player selected by the Jaguars that year. He was named to the NFL All-Rookie team and set the Jaguars single season record for tackles. His NFL career was cut short after three years by a series of injuries.
Bryan credits two influential people for his success at Augustana. He wrote, "Coach Heinitz was my most memorable coach. He was one of two coaches in Division II that took a chance and recruited me. He is a great inspiration. Also, Mel Klein is a great role model with a great heart. He helped recruit me and allowed me to date his daughter (now his wife)." A special memory for Bryan is a homecoming victory over UND.
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