D'Andre Swift Announces Top 5: Breaking Down Each Contender for 5-Star RB

It's down to five for D'Andre Swift.

The 5-star Philadelphia running back trimmed his list of collegiate favorites in half Wednesday night, announcing a collection of primary contenders for his coveted commitment:

Swift, a rising senior at St. Joe's Prep, placed Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia and Penn State in the mix as summer approaches. This development occurs just six weeks removed from his most recent recruiting update.

The scintillating 5'10", 204-pound prospect previously unveiled a top 10 on April 15. Maryland, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State and South Carolina didn't make the cut this time around. 

"It's getting a little bit later in my recruitment now, so I just need to narrow things down and start thinking about this decision," he told Bleacher Report earlier this month.

Based on recent conversations with Swift, none of the inclusions in his top five come as a surprise. He's expressed serious interest in each program and plans to utilize upcoming visits as an opportunity to further explore these options.

"I'm trying to get out this summer and see as many schools as I can," Swift said. 

Rated No. 1 nationally among all-purpose backs and No. 31 overall in composite rankings, this versatile offensive weapon landed on the college football recruiting radar as a freshman. His list of scholarship offers has since grown to include dozens of schools.

Swift's decision to place his focus on five universities signifies he may be ready for the final stretch of a lengthy process. He doesn't discount the possibility of using all five official visits before declaring a verbal commitment but also won't rule out the idea of an earlier decision.

"I want to hold it off, but if I feel as though if some place fits me perfectly, I would decide right then and there," Swift said.

Given the new dynamics in this recruitment, let's take a peek at where things stand with all five programs.

Alabama

Wednesday provided reaffirmation that running backs are drawn to Tuscaloosa. Despite the presence of No. 1 overall rusher Najee Harris in his 2017 recruiting class, Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban saw his squad land on lists of favorites for both Swift and Cam Akers in a seven-hour span.

Akers spent his junior season committed to Alabama but backed off that pledge in March. He's still considering the Crimson Tide, along with Ohio State and alternative SEC suitors such as LSU, Georgia and Ole Miss.

If anyone thought Harris would scare off potential competition at the position, they haven't been paying attention to Alabama's offensive attack during the Saban era. A continuing rotation of college stars has included Heisman winners Derrick Henry and Mark Ingram, while Trent Richardson, T.J. Yeldon and Eddie Lacy were each among the top running backs off the board in recent NFL drafts.

"I'm a competitor, so if I like the school, I'm going to come in and compete no matter who is there," Swift said. "I definitely do look at the depth chart, but I know nothing is going to be handed to me wherever I go."

Alabama isn't the favorite here but can't be counted out because of its exceptional track record in the offensive backfield and continued national title contention.

Clemson

Even with a commitment from top-ranked 2016 all-purpose back Tavien Feaster, the Tigers didn't hesitate to extend an offer to Swift last summer. From a schematics view, Clemson makes a lot of sense for Swift, as he's accustomed to operating in a fast-paced spread offense at the high school level.

His pass-catching abilities separate him from many top-tier 2017 running backs. Much like Feaster, he appears primed to emerge as a serious downfield passing option in college. Head coach Dabo Swinney has already hosted Swift on campus and will likely look to line up a return trip this summer.

Florida State

The Seminoles will likely hop aboard the Dalvin Cook train one last time in 2016, as most anticipate the former 5-star recruit is headed to the NFL with a strong and healthy junior campaign. This sets the stage for a major void to be filled at running back next year, with roster veterans and newcomers alike attempting to claim Cook's carry volume.

Expect Swift to create a legitimate case to earn touches as a true freshman, at least in an initial limited role. He told B/R that Tallahassee will "probably" be his next visit on the recruiting trail and incoming Florida State freshman tight end Naseir Upshur—a fellow Philadelphia product—is a close friend.

"We talk about going down to Florida State all the time," Swift said.

Credit: 247Sports

Georgia

The Bulldogs became a major contender for Swift following a pair of campus visits this spring. He made the journey to Athens twice within weeks, including a trip to head coach Kirby Smart's first Georgia spring game.

"Everybody in Athens loves Georgia football. It's easy to tell," Swift said. "You can't beat that atmosphere for a spring game."

The Bulldogs are in the mix for several standout rushers, but top-rated Georgia commit Richard LeCounte III specifically singled out Swift as an athlete he'd love to see join a class that currently rates No. 7 overall in composite rankings. Five of the past seven experts have picked Georgia in 247Sports' "crystal ball" predictions for Swift.

"Coach Smart is doing some great things with the program right now. I believe they're up-and-coming," he said.

Penn State

The Nittany Lions have been a mainstay in his recruitment, identifying him as an immediate concern as James Franklin's freshly assembled staff surveyed the in-state underclassman scene. Penn State picked up the first seven signing-day projections in his crystal ball, but just one has been placed in favor of the program since July 2015.

Offensive struggles under Franklin led many to question the staff's impact on former 5-star quarterback Christian Hackenberg, but running back Saquon Barkley provided a bright spot last season. The true freshman running back eclipsed 1,200 offensive yards, and there's reason to believe Swift would present an even more dynamic weapon out of the backfield.

Competing against four Southeastern programs for this commitment, Penn State holds a unique edge in terms of proximity. Swift's long-term familiarity with the staff and school atmosphere shouldn't be undervalued.

"They're still in the back of my head, and Penn State is always a fun place to visit," he said. "One of my best friends—[defensive back] John Reid—is up there, and he's doing really well, so that's exciting for me."

Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue unless otherwise noted. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings.

Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.