Continuing my look at the new 2017 Georgia Bulldogs signing class, this week I take an in-depth look at RB D’Andre Swift.
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The Facts:
D’Andre Swift the number four overall running back in the class of 2017 according to 247sports composite ranking. A four star prospect, landed right on the outside of being a five-star. With Nick Chubb and Sony Michel returning for their senior season. UGA was able to keep a hold of this talented back despite the return of the top two backs on roster and fans should be excited he’s going to be a Georgia Bulldog.
D’Andre is from Philadelphia, PA. He is a major out-of-state pull for Georgia in this last class, and the only running back that they brought in. Swift was a two time first team all state selection at RB in 2015 & 2016. He was also selected as 6A Offensive Player of the Year, and selected to the #TeamPA. #TeamPA is a ranking of the top players in Pennsylvania regardless of classification.
The Upside:
D’Andre is a well put together running back. Coming in at 5’8.75 and 222lbs according to his 247sports profile. He has also been timed at 4.43 in the 40-yd dash. Swift is a boulder running downhill, even with being over 200lbs and only in the 5’9 range it hasn’t down his speed at all.
In his film you can see him coasting away from a lot of defenders. He is simply faster than a lot of the guys he played against. But you can also see him shedding tackles from defensive linemen that meet him in the backfield. Also he is able to split out wide, run a route and haul in a pass. Swift is the perfect combination for a running back, he can do it all.
The Concern:
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Swift is such a complete and well put together running back, there isn’t too much to be concerned with. The only real concern to have with Swift is how will he hold up against SEC defenders. The good news with that is he won’t have to go against them immediately, given the ability to learn from Michel and Chubb, and to be able to go against SEC defenders every day in practice will only benefit him.
Expectations at Georgia:
I expect Swift to be the next big time running back to come to Running Back University. After Michel and Chubb leave Swift should be the first back in line to take over as the starter. Swift has the chance to be a top 5 running back all time at Georgia and the potential to be the best back in his draft class.
I would compare D’Andre to Thomas Brown and/or Dalvin Cook. Both of these were small compact backs that could catch out of the backfield but also run between the tackles. Swift is actually right between Brown and Cook in the height range, and he is also over the 200lb mark as well.
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D’Andre could also be the first back since Herschel Walker to win the Heisman for the University of Georgia. This would be impacted on who Georgia brings in at running back in the class of 2018. But if Swift is the starter for Georgia, he could run away with the Heisman, due to his ability to do it all from the running back position.