D.J. Swearinger: Video Highlights for Former South Carolina FS

D.J Swearinger has emerged as one of the more intriguing prospects at the safety position after proving to be an extremely physical player in the SEC.

He managed to play both free and strong safety, where he developed into an effective pass and run defender. 

Over his collegiate career, there were plenty of hard hits and extremely talented plays. Here are a few of those notable highlights.

Pick-Six vs. Arkansas

Swearinger was known during the duration of his college career for becoming a physical player, but his great speed was on display during this interception.

As he progressed under Steve Spurrier, he received some valuable experience playing as a cornerback. That experience helped him become a much more explosive football player.

This was a classic play made by a true playmaker, as Swearinger easily cut off the route and went full speed ahead to the end zone.

His breakaway speed on this interception was impressive, as he pulled away from all of the Arkansas players on the field.

Punishing Hit on Clemson's Andre Ellington

Swearinger was known for providing plenty of intimidating hits on his opponents. There wasn't a better time to showcase those skills than the annual rivalry between South Carolina and Clemson.

As the Tigers were fully utilizing their Wildcat, running back Andre Ellington took the handoff and found an open lane with his great speed.

However, that didn't last for long, as Swearinger came flying in and leveled him with his shoulder. Despite the way it looked, it was indeed a clean hit and Swearinger had no problem celebrating afterward.

Diving Interception vs. Mississippi State

As Mississippi State was driving down the field with the game on the line, Swearinger proved once again to be around the football at the right time.

It was a tough throw to make by the quarterback, who was facing pressure at the time. Nonetheless, Swearinger utilized his closing speed and made a full-extension dive to come up with the game-saving interception.

It's hard not to be impressed with how this safety finds ways to create turnovers.

Big Hit vs. Arkansas

Swearinger embraces the idea of punishing his opponents with brutal, full-speed hits. Right before he had that key interception shown earlier against Arkansas, he levels this receiver, who attempted to cut to the outside.

While the receiver was able to see Swearinger coming, he wasn't able to react quickly enough to avoid the monster hit.

Although it was called for a penalty, that appears to have been a mistake by the referees, as Swearinger led with his shoulder instead of the helmet.

Fumble Recovery for a TD vs. UAB

It's no coincidence that Swearinger has capitalized on the few easy opportunities for turnovers he has received this year.

South Carolina's game against UAB this past season is a pure example of that. Ruled a fumble because the quarterback never made a forward motion with the ball, Swearinger quickly snatched the ball while it was in the air and returned it the other way for a defensive touchdown.

As usual with his defensive touchdowns, once Swearinger had his hands on the football, he was never in danger of being tackled on the way to the end zone.

A Pair of Forced Turnovers

During critical points of football games, star players typically make their presence felt with a game-changing play.

Swearinger happened to do that twice when it came to forcing turnovers. The first highlight shown on this video sees Swearinger fully extending his body in order to catch the football and stop the opponent from moving any further toward the end zone.

As for the second interception, it appeared to be a simple catch-and-run for Swearinger. He managed to stay focused all the way through the play and took it to the end zone for the easy touchdown.