First AP AA Loper in Six Years
Kearney, Neb. - Nebraska Kearney redshirt senior strong safety Darius Swanson has made the Associated Press (AP) 2022 Division II All-American team. Previously the AP named a "Little All-American" team which consisted of players from NCAA Divisions II & III and the NAIA. In 2017 they divided up the divisions with a panel of AP writers selecting each squad. The AP has named an All-American squad every year since 1934. Swanson (Aurora, Colo.) makes the first-team and is the first Loper to garner AP honors since tackle monster Tyke Kozeal in 2016. He is the 13th Loper since 1973, and the third defensive player, to be named an AP All-American. Named to the Division II Conference Commissioner's Association (D2CCA) All-American team for a second straight year earlier this week, the co-captain had another strong year for the Lopers. He registered 66 tackles (39 solo), broke up eight passes, had three interceptions for 44 yards and a touchdown and forced two fumbles.
Missing the last game of the year due to injury, Swanson led UNK in INT's and passes defended, was tied for the lead in PBU's and ranked fourth in tackles. He was part of a defense that held seven opponents under 19 points. Swanson, who'll use his "COVID" year to play at FBS-member Tulane in 2023, ranks 24th in UNK history in career tackles with 190 (121 solo). The soon-to-be UNK graduate also had seven career INT's and 16 career PBU's. The Lopers went 8-3 in 2021, spending time in the national and regional polls and tied for third place in the MIAA standings.
UNK ALL-TIME AP ALL-AMERICANS
Yr.
Name/Position
Hometown
Team
1973
Phil Gustafson (OL)
Galesburg, Ill.
1st
1980
Jerry Scott (C)
Ansley
1st
1981
Jerry Scott (C)
Ansley
1st
1996
Mike Smith (Kick Return)
Kearney
2nd
2002
Henrik Juul-Nielsen (K)
Denmark
1st
2002
Mike Miller (RB)
Littleton, Colo.
3rd
2005
Richie Ross (WR)
Lincoln
2nd
2009
Jack Hiett (C)
Arvada, Colo.
2nd
2010
Orion Matthies (RT)
Overton
3rd
2011
Arthur Hobbs (CB)
San Diego, Calif.
2nd
2013
Cole Manhart (LT)
Highlands Rach, Colo.
1st
2014
Cole Manhart (LT)
Highlands Rach, Colo.
1st
2016
Tyke Kozeal (LB)
Sargent
1st
2022
Darius Swanson (S)
Aurora, Colo.
1st
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