Interview: 4-Star 2020 Clemson LB Commit Kevin Swint Updates Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
As much as the current game of football has changed, guys like Class of 2020 linebacker Kevin Swint give promise that certain cherished aspects will never change. Swint is that throwback defender who will meet the running back in the hole falling forward after a massive hit. Swint is that mix of speed and power who can play the inside or the outside taking on offensive tackles as an edge rusher. The Carrollton High School standout is that mix of old and modern and is one of the best at his position in the nation.
After a 60-tackle, 16.5-tackle for a loss, 3.5-sack, and two-forced fumble season during his junior season, Swint was a “must-get” target for next level defensive coordinators. In total, the 6-3, 233-pound, linebacker has secured 24 reported offers covering the ACC, SEC, Big Ten, and Pac-12. On Jan. 26, 2019, Swint closed the door on the recruiting process committing to the Clemson Tigers. Unburdened by the distractions of mulling over an ideal next level fit, Swint has helped lead his Georgia squad to an 8-0 start by compiling 32 stops, 30 solo, with nine tackles for a loss, three sacks and three QB hurries in stats posted through the first six games of the Trojans’ season.
For an update on the four-star recruit’s senior season on the field and his growing relationship with the Clemson Tigers program, I got a few minutes with the hard hitting linebacker for an exclusive RNG interview.
Interview
Kevin, you are an amazing football talent, no question. Where did the love for the game come from for you?
“It happened when I was four-years-old watching my brother playing 11- and 12-year-old football for The Saints. Also watching him and his friends playing the old NCAA games. I fell in love with football then.”
When you gear up, what is your mindset when it is game time?
“I am locked in to execute the game plan. My mindset is to be the best player I can be for my team so we can get the “dub”.”
How has your senior season gone on the field?
“It is going really good. I am being a vocal leader and bringing energy to the field. My play has gone up another level with the amount of energy I am bringing to the field.”
Before the year began, what goals did you set for yourself?
“The goal set was to win a state championship, that was the main goal. Nothing else was set. I don’t care about stats.”
Where are you showing the biggest improvements with your play as a linebacker?
“I am better at picking up on tendencies of the offensive players and recognizing formations better.”
Your physical strength shows on your film. Did you max out over the offseason in the weight room?
“My bench was 300, my power clean was 285, and my squat was 440.”
Nice. On the field, how are opposing offenses targeting you in hopes of slowing you down?
“(2021 4-Star LB) Chaz Chambliss takes some of the tension off me; he is a baller just like I am. Sometimes they double-team me, but in pass protection is when I am seeing it most.”
For your senior season, which game has been your top performance?
“Our second game of the season against Riverdale (won 48-35).”
Why does that game against Riverdale top the list?
“I was playing fast. I knew what the team was doing even before they knew what they were doing. I was there a split-second faster than they were.”
Do you have a top play from this season?
“In that same game against Riverdale, they ran a stretch play with their running back. The running back stepped up and I knocked him out of the game. I think it is the first highlight on my reel.”
Turning to recruiting. You verbally committed to the Clemson Tigers on Jan. 26 of this year. Are any teams trying to pierce that bond or are they leaving you alone?
“Other teams are leaving me alone.”
How many total offers do you have?
“Twenty-four, I believe.”
Swints’ Offer Sheet: Alabama, Auburn, Central Florida, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Memphis, Miami, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, South Carolina, Stanford, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Wake Forest, and Wisconsin
When was your last visit to Clemson?
“I was up there two weeks ago.”
How did the visit go?
“It was a really good visit. There is nothing new up there for me to see or learn, I have seen everything I need to see. When I go up there, I am creating a better relationship with the players, the coaches, and the recruits coming up in this class.”
When do you plan on visiting Clemson again?
“Nov. 15-17, I will be taking my official visit to Clemson then.”
With your early commitment to the Tigers, you seemingly loved them from the start. How did Clemson become your ideal fit?
“For me, the defense they run was big for me. They give their linebackers freedom within their defense. Their defensive coordinator, Coach (Brent) Venables, he gets after people. The stats don’t lie. The coaching staff and family environment at Clemson was a fit for me. I don’t want to go someplace where they fill my head with nonsense. I want to be developed on and off the field to be a great player and great man.”
How will you be used within their scheme once you report?
“I doubt I will play Mike and will probably play Will. I am fine with either one.”
What is your pitch to other Clemson recruits on why they should go “all in?”
“The pitch – I am keeping it real with them like the coaching staff did with me. The first thing I tell them, I tell them to look at the university; none of the players are getting in trouble. The team has a great head coach in Dabo Swinney. They are doing it the right way. He does not bring in JUCO players or grad-transfers, the guys you come in with you will graduate with.”
Kevin, it was fun spending time with you today covering your play on the field and relationship with the Clemson coaching staff. Wishing you and the Trojans success closing out the season in style.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Swint family; Kevin Swint at Clemson (July 2019)
Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 14 Kevin Swint (2019)