About D’Andre

D’Andre Swift was a lot in high school. He was a 5-star football recruit, the No. 1 player in Pennsylvania, and a track and field sprinter. He took home 4th place in the state finals during the 100 meter dash, posting a time of 11.13 seconds. He also led his team to an undefeated record of 14-0 and a 6A state championship in 2017. His father always wanted Swift to play in the SEC or ACC because he felt that was where the real competition was. After receiving offers from LSU, Alabama, Miami, Clemson, Florida State, and a handful more schools, D’Andre would commit to Georgia on Sept 1st, 2016.

As expected at Georgia, the running back room is full of studs, and as a freshman Swift would see himself third behind future NFL stars Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. He still managed to get 81 carries for 618 yards and three touchdowns in his limited snaps. He would also record 17 receptions for 153 yards and a touchdown. D’Andre would see himself voted onto the Coaches Freshman All-SEC Team, and even started vs Auburn. The Bulldogs would lose that game, but still finish the season 13-1, and earn the 2nd seed in the College Football Playoff. After beating Oklahoma in a classic 2OT game, they would lose in OT vs Alabama in the National Championship, 26-23.

As a sophomore Swift would see his role increase as Chubb and Michel would both book it to the NFL. Before the season started Swift was named to the Preseason All-SEC 2nd Team. He now would really have to split time with junior running back Elijah Holyfield, and saw a lot of action as a receiver for the Bulldogs. Though only “starting” five of the 14 games played, Swift would lead Georgia in rushing yards and touchdowns. On 163 carries he would rush for 1,049 yards and 10 touchdowns, and would catch another 32 passes for 297 yards and three touchdowns. After finishing in the Top 3 for six straight weeks, they would slip up against LSU, losing 36-16 and knocking them to 7th overall. They would get to the SEC Championship going 11-1, but lose to Alabama and miss out on the College Football Playoff.

We would see another productive year from Swift in 2019, and was named one of the four team captains to start the season. This year he would be voted Preseason All-SEC 1st Team. He was once again the Bulldogs leading rusher with 1,218 yards and seven touchdowns on 196 carries, while adding 24 receptions for 216 yards and a touchdown. The Bulldogs would start ranked in the Top 4 all season long until they were upset by South Carolina by a game winning field goal. With that loss they would drop down to 10th, but claw their way back through a weak SEC East to face LSU in the SEC Championship. As you probably remember, no one was stopping this LSU team, and they would take apart the Bulldogs 37-10. Swift would get very minimal carries in the game due to a shoulder injury that would keep him out of their bowl game as well.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

Swift is a lot closer to the prototypical running back you see used in the NFL today than someone like Taylor. Georgia already runs a very pro style offense, which Swift did very well in, and against top notch competition at that. He recorded 73 catches in his career at Georgia, and lined up out wide at receiver plenty of times. While he might only be 5’9, Swift is a very strong runner and doesn’t get tackled easily, giving him a legit ability to be a three down back.

He represents his last name well, Swift. If you get him in the open field he is a problem to bring down and will juke you out your cleats if you aren’t careful. His balance and center of gravity help him gain extra yards after contact. He easily slips through gaps in the offensive line, and uses his power to get to the second level in the blink of an eye.

D'Andre Swift hasn't dropped a pass since Week 7 of 2018.

Only 3 his entire collegiate career. pic.twitter.com/pdduIWooiP
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 29, 2020

Weaknesses

He has had seven career fumbles, which is a little alarming considering the amount of carries he received. You can look at his carries negatively or positively, just depends how you think. On one hand, his limited carries does mean limited experience but it also means there is less “tread on the tires” too. He definitely likes to run hard, which can be difficult in the NFL at 5’9. With the lack of proven experience as a running back that receives a majority of the work, I would hesitant in throw him into that role in the NFL.

NFL Draft Projection/NFL Player Comp

NFL Draft Projection

This running back class is rather difficult to predict, and it seems that pretty much everyone has a different rotation for their Top 3. One consistency though is Swift is normally one of those three, and with that will probably Garner a 2nd round selection. Teams like the Chiefs, Dolphins, Falcons, and Jets all could be in play for Swift. He is my 30th overall prospect in this draft class.

I currently have the Falcons selecting him with their 47th overall pick. Atlanta really misses their two headed running back duo, and Freeman is barely there enough as is. Bringing in Swift will not only help keep Freeman more healthy (hopefully) and replace what Tevin Coleman left.

NFL Player Comp

I believe Swift has a very diverse skill set, which can remind you of a handful of different running backs. I personally think he could have a James White type career in the NFL. If you were to watch how New England uses him, you would probably be surprised to know he rushed for 1,444 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2013. At Wisconsin he went by “Sweet Feet”, but still had some pop to him in between the tackles.

D’Andre Swift has been the same way, but due to his size and questionable durability, I think he will need to be with another back that can split carries with him. I could easily see him being just as dynamic of a receiver that White has been, and more productive in the running game.