COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. - A long line of talented linebackers have passed through Saint John's University over the years. And head coach Gary Fasching '81 said Erik Bjork belongs right up there with all of them.

"This is his third year as a starter and he's been our leading tackler in each of those three seasons," Fasching said of the 6-foot, 220-pound Mahtomedi High School graduate. "That in itself says something right there. He's been one of the rocks of our defense – certainly this season, but even last year and the year before. He plays the game with the right amount of energy and he makes plays happen when we need them."

Bjork proved that again last Saturday at St. Olaf. After the Oles had cut SJU's lead to 14 points early in the second quarter, they appeared to be driving for more on their next possession.
 
But Bjork picked off a pass and returned it to the St. Olaf 48, setting up a touchdown that put his team in control at halftime of a game the Johnnies went on to win 49-10.

"I'm having more fun this season than I've ever had before," said Bjork, who has 72 tackles this fall, including 5.5 for a loss and two sacks. 

He's also forced a team-best three fumbles.

"I'm enjoying the game more and trying hard to celebrate every moment I get to spend with my teammates," he continued. "I know I'm coming down to the end, so I want to make sure I soak everything in."

Where that end will be remains to be seen. The Johnnies (7-2, 6-1 MIAC, 3-1 Northwoods) finished second to Gustavus in the MIAC Northwoods Division (based on record only in divisional play) and face Skyline Division runner-up Concordia (5-4, 4-3 MIAC, 3-1 Skyline) at 1 p.m. Saturday in Moorhead.

The Gusties (6-3, 5-2 MIAC, 4-0 Northwoods) play at Bethel (7-2, 6-1 MIAC, 4-0 Skyline) in the conference title game Saturday with the winner gaining the MIAC's automatic bid to the NCAA Division III playoffs. Bjork and his teammates, meanwhile, must defeat the Cobbers, then hope their resume is strong enough to earn one of four at-large bids available to the 32-team postseason field.

"We're treating every game like it could be our last," said Bjork, whose team topped Concordia 42-23 when the two teams meet on Oct. 7 in Collegeville. "Especially after the loss to Gustavus (38-35 on the road on Oct. 21). We know we really have to lock in and make every play count. 

"All we can do right now is focus on Concordia and prepare harder than we ever have. After that, it's in the hands of the committee. But hopefully we can do enough that they can't look past us."

Bjork, a global business leadership major, will graduate after this semester. He currently works in operations at Granite Logistics in Sartell and is open to staying there or pursuing other opportunities.

"I'd up for traveling somewhere or staying in Minnesota," said Bjork, who returned for a fifth season this fall to use the extra year of eligibility the NCAA granted all student-athletes as a result of the impact of COVID-19. 

"It just depends on what opportunities present themselves. I'd also be interested in maybe getting into coaching. It would be great to find a way to stay involved with the game at the high school or college level if possible."

Bjork's first visit to Saint John's came as a high school senior in 2018 when he attended that season's Johnnie-Tommie game at Clemens Stadium.

"After that, I knew this was the perfect fit for me," he recalls. "It was a perfect fall day with some color in the trees. The atmosphere and energy (in Clemens Stadium) was amazing.

"That feeling has never changed. There's nothing like running out onto the field here and seeing the sea of red in the crowd. Smelling the fall air. I still get the same butterflies I did the first time I visited."

But now his time in a Johnnie uniform is coming to an end – be it this week, or sometime in the postseason.

"I'm so grateful for everything I've been able to experience here," he said. "Especially getting the chance to be around my teammates and coaches. It's been a special time. One I really don't want to see come to an end."