Scott Schankweiler

Scott Brian Schankweiler (born October 15, 1963) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Maryland Terrapins.

Early life Schankweiler was born on October 15, 1963, in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, to parents Pat and Glenn. While he was born in Sunbury, he was raised in Shamokin and Pottsville before the family moved to Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. Schankweiler began playing football at the age of nine with the West Shore Vikings in Camp Hill. He began playing as a guard before switching to quarterback.

High school and college career Schankweiler was a multisport athlete at Cedar Cliff High School, competing in football, track, and basketball. Schankweiler helped the Colts compile a 19-1 record in his final two years of schooling and was heavily recruited to play college football. Schankweiler visited North Carolina State and received offers from other colleges before signing with the University of Maryland, College Park. He began the 1983 season as a reserve player before sharing the outside linebacker position with a senior teammate. Shankweiler was named Maryland's defensives MVP following their Cherry Bowl win over the Syracuse Orange. In his fourth and fifth years at Maryland, Shankweiler became the team's outside linebacker starter.

Professional After going undrafted in the 1986 NFL draft, Schankweiler signed a professional contract as a free agent with the St. Louis Cardinals. After atrending their minicamp, Schankweiler was released by the team. After being cut, Schankweiler visited his friend Stan Gelbaugh at the Buffalo Bills' camp, who then offered him a chance to tryout for the team. He initially declined because he felt he was not in good enough shape. He returned to the Bills in January at 230 pounds and signed a two-year contract with the team.