The last time an Augustana Viking was drafted into the National Football League (NFL), it was 1995, and senior Tyler Schulte was walking the halls of St. Mary's Elementary School, looking forward to playing high school football in the future.
"Coming out of high school, it was obvious Tyler would have success at the college level," O'Gorman High School and Augustana teammate Ryan Isaacson said. "He's just such a great athlete that every game he's a part of, he brings another level of intensity to it."
After an outstanding career at O'Gorman, Schulte came to Augustana to play under former head coach Brad Salem, who promised him the opportunity to be a part of the resurrection of Augustana football.
At Augustana, Schulte has compiled career statistics that have earned him one school record for most touchdown catches in a single season (18), and put him near the top of the leaderboard in several others, including total points in one season (110), total touchdowns scored in one season (18), touchdown catches in a career (32) and total touchdowns scored in a career (41).
"Looking back and seeing those 4-7 and 5-6 seasons, those are tough, but going 11-2 is something to hold your head up about," Schulte said.
With football season over and his academic career ending, Schulte's next step may be toward professional football.
On March 26, Schulte took part in a Pro Day at South Dakota State University, where he spoke with NFL scouts and took part in drills to showcase his skills.
"It went well, I thought," Schulte said. "I hit all my minimums that I wanted for the broad jump, bench, etc., and although they don't tell you the times on the 40-yard dash, Pro-agility and L-drill, I feel like they went well."
With the NFL players currently locked out, however, Schulte's dream of playing on a pro-team may be difficult to accomplish, if and when the season resumes.
"You just got to sit and wait," Schulte said. "I don't expect to get picked up in the draft, but that first week after, normally teams pick up free agents. It'll be interesting this year with the whole CBA issues."
Within the next few weeks leading up to the draft, Schulte will be finalizing his workout plans and signing an agent.
"You just have to hope that someone gives you that chance and you can make the most of it," Schulte said.
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