Dec. 15, 2006

Olathe, Kan. - Brian Kurtz, a senior linebacker from the University of Saint Francis (Ind.) has been named the 2006 Rawlings-NAIA Football National Player of the Year.

 

Kurtz, who will wrap up his collegiate career Saturday against Sioux Falls (S.D.), is the Cougars' top tackler with 128 stops, and Kurtz is currently 18^th in the country in tackles per game at 9.6.

 

Kurtz also has three interceptions which he has returned for 82 yards on the year while also putting up five pass break-ups, three quarterback hurries, 3.5 quarterback sacks and four forced fumbles. His 9.5 tackles for loss are tied for the team lead with defensive lineman Tim Farrell.

 

A two-time 2006 NAIA Player of the Week, Kurtz was named Mid-States Football Association Mid-East Player of the Year and was named to the league's first team for the third-straight season.

 

Kurtz helped Saint Francis to a 13-0 record and its third-straight title-game appearance, earning head coach Kevin Donley his sixth MSFA MEL Coach of the Year honor.

 

A native of Fort Wayne, Ind., Kurtz is the tenth player to receive the NAIA Player of the Year honor since the award was first presented in 1997. Two players - Eddie Eviston of Georgetown (Ky.) and last year's winner, Tyler Emmert of Carroll (Mont.) - are the only players to receive the honor in multiple seasons. Emmert grabbed the award in 2004 and 2005, while Eviston earned three-straight honors between 1999 and 2001.