Freddie Swain Commits to Florida: What 4-Star WR Brings to Gators
The Florida Gators are on a roll.
Fresh off his fifth straight victory, first-year head coach Jim McElwain collected a key commitment Friday afternoon from coveted in-state wide receiver Freddie Swain:
The 4-star North Marion High School standout selected Florida from dozens of interested college programs. He scooped up a Gators hat that sat alongside others representing USC, Tennessee, LSU, South Carolina and Miami.
Things quickly heated up between him and the team this fall, fueled by a couple campus visits in September.
Swain, rated 29th overall among receivers in 247Sports' 2016 composite rankings, most recently attended Florida's thrilling victory over SEC rival Tennessee. He came away impressed by a young, emerging offensive attack led by redshirt freshman quarterback Will Grier.
“They showed they will throw the ball. They aren’t scared to do that,” he told Luke Stampini of 247Sports.
The Gators also impressed Swain by implementing dynamic newcomer Antonio Callaway. The true freshman has recorded eight catches and two touchdowns during the past two contests, crucial victories over Ole Miss and the Volunteers..
“They show you they are not afraid to play freshmen," Swain told Stampini. "If you do what you do, you’re going to get on the field and play and that’s what happens."
Florida may have gained another immediate-impact playmaker Friday.
Swain is averaging 72 receiving yards per game as a senior, per MaxPreps. He caught 52 passes for 841 yards and six scores least season.
His ability to attack defensive secondaries with polished route running and aggressive pursuit of the football separated Swain from a star-studded pack of prospects this summer at The Opening. He shined at the invite-only showcase, held at Nike's World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, raising his stock in the eyes of many national analysts.
Swain drew praise from Opening coach Quincy Avery, who lauded his skills during a discussion with Bleacher Report's Sanjay Kirpalani.
"Freddie is tremendously talented. His level of understanding for routes as a high school player is unmatched," Avery said. "Whether he's using a defender and using his body to lean on defenders, or stemming defenders to get even, he's going to be special."
Florida continues to stockpile impressive players in a 2016 recruiting class that's surged to 13th overall in the composite rankings.
Swain will reportedly still explore alternative collegiate options before national signing day. His upcoming official visit itinerary includes Tennessee and Miami, according to Ryan Bartow of 247Sports.
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