UP CLOSE: Dan Van Sweden

Nickname: Sweed

Favorite cold cereal: Special K

Why did I choose to play football over other sports: I stopped getting taller, so I switched from basketball.

Who has had the greatest influence on my football career:Coach Fernandez. He really cared to help me become a better player.

What would I like to do sometime in my life: Travel the world.

One place I would like to visit: Egypt

What do I want to be doing 20 years from now: Enjoying retirement.

How did I select my jersey number: Matt Ah You wanted it so I took it first.

What is my favorite hobby or activity away from football: Backpacking in the mountains.

What is the best book I’ve ever read: Hatchet

What is my most memorable athletic achievement or moment: High School Defensive Player of the Year.

My most interesting class I’ve taken at BYU: Geography 211 Maps and interpretation.

My advice to youngsters: Work hard and everything will fall into place.

If I had to give up all of my possessions except one, what would be the one thing I kept and why: My backpacking gear because I could still survive without anything else.

If I were hosting you on a recruiting visit to Provo, the most impressive thing I’d have to show you is: Probably the Student Athlete Center.

If I were on “Who Wants to be a Millionaire,” I’d probably miss the first question.

If I could play another position, what would it be: Tight end, the position for which I was recruited.

One rule I’d change in college football is: Having no pass interference.

If I could invite any three people to dinner, who would they would include: My wife, my daughter and Spartan King Leonidas.

On game day my friends and relatives: Watch or are at the game.