Interview: 4-Star 2021 Oklahoma DL/OL Melvin Swindle is High on The Hogs
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When the refs in Oklahoma City signal an offensive play is a go on Friday nights in the fall, that is when Class of 2021 defensive tackle Melvin Swindle comes alive. The now 6-3, 300-pound, defender eats up offensive linemen controlling the line of scrimmage by imposing his will upon the opposition. His efforts in the trenches helped his Heritage Hall team to an 11-1 season in 2019 seeing him earn second team All-State honors as an offensive and defensive lineman along with All-Metro, All-City, and a ranking on ESPN’s Top 300. Offers have been extended from Iowa State, Kansas, Oklahoma State, and Texas Tech with recruiting ready to pick up once the dead period is over.
In another visit to the RNG Lab, the four-star recruit updates his spring workouts while covering an impressionable visit he took to Arkansas before campuses were closed.
*Click link for Jan. 13, 2020, RNG interview with Melvin Swindle
Interview
Melvin, when we last caught up, we talked about how your game had improved on both sides of the ball during your junior year. What have you been working on this offseason with your game on defense?
“On defense, my footwork and things like that. I have been easing back into it with my hands because of my shoulder.”
If you will, update me on your shoulder rehab.
“It is going pretty good. I am ready to start using heavy weights again.”
When are you expecting to be fully released?
“In June, I will be cleared.”
With gyms closed down, what are some of the activities you are doing on your own to stay in shape and to stay focused?
“At the house, I am doing deep push-ups, curls, planks, and I am running around the neighborhood. I do the sets again and go run again.”
The four offers from Iowa State, Kansas, Oklahoma State, and Texas Tech are there, which schools are showing interest?
“Arkansas and Memphis.”
Over the last few months, did you get a chance to take any visits?
“One to Arkansas (March 7) before everything shut down. I was supposed to go to Memphis two weeks later, but that was cancelled because of the virus.”
How did the Arkansas trip go?
“It went well. It was fun. I really liked it. If they offered me, they would be a Top 4 school for me.”
Nice. What all did you do during the visit?
“It was a basic one. We went to a baseball game, tried on the jersey, took pictures, we ate, and saw the facilities. Their strength coach talked to us. It was a nice long day. It was worth the trip to see everything.”
When things get going again, do you have any planned trips on the schedule?
“An unofficial to Kansas, Memphis, and I am looking into an unofficial to Iowa State.”
My virus buster question, what have you been doing during your downtime to entertain yourself?
“Playing games, I have been going hard on video games and I’ve been fishing hard.”
Have you caught any fish?
“No luck yet.”
I feel you. That is my luck with fishing.
“I’ve been out there for four days, going with my girlfriend, it has been rough going fishing. She’s getting more bites than me.”
Melvin, it is always great getting time with you. Wishing you continued success with your workouts, rehab, and fishing.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Swindle family; Melvin Swindle at Arkansas