Loper to be a Green Wave in 2023
Kearney, Neb. – Nebraska Kearney redshirt senior strong safety Darius Swanson is a repeat selection to the Division II Conference Commissioner’s Association (D2 CCA) All-American team.
Swanson (Aurora, Colo.) makes the second-team after making the first-team in 2021. He becomes UNK’s first two-time defensive All-American since UNK Hall of Famer Jon Gustafson (defensive end) in 1983 and 1984.
The D2CCA team is chosen by sports information directors from around the country. A student-athlete must be named first-team all-region in order to be considered for All-American honors.
The co-captain had another strong year for the Lopers as 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.
Other MIAA players on the squad were Washburn return specialist/receiver James Letcher Jr. (1st-team) and linebacker Grant Bruner (1st-team) and Northwest Missouri defensive end Elijah Green (1st-team).
The Lopers went 8-3 in 2021, spending time in the national and regional polls and tied for third place in the MIAA standings.
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