Interview: Ten Offers for 2017 JUCO CB David Swen Brings a Big Decision at the End of the Semester
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If having a lot of options makes life easier, Class of 2017 cornerback David Swen is on the proverbial ‘Easy Street.’ The sophomore shutdown corner has 10 offers on the table after helping Los Angeles Valley to an 11-0 season in 2016. But what may be harder than all the workouts, games, and studies associated with playing JUCO football is the decision he will make once his spring semester has ended and his grades are posted.
The road to this moment in time for Swen has been anything but a ride down Easy Street. Coming out of southwest Philadelphia, the West Philadelphia Catholic High School athlete was a two-way standout proving to be a playmaker on offense at running back and on defense as a safety/corner. Swen covered 179 yards on 21 totes with two scores on offense and then shutdown passing attacks with 47 tackles, three picks, and 15 passes broken up helping the Burrs to a 7-4 season. The Class of 2015 recruit opted to take his talents to the JUCO level after graduation playing as a true freshman for the Monarchs in 2015.
Over the past two seasons, LA Valley has been one of the best junior college teams in the state of California, if not in the nation. The exclamation mark was firmly stamped with an eleventh victory against Southwestern (24-16) in the American Division Championship Bowl at the end of the 2016 campaign. Swen, having made the transition from safety to full-time cornerback, finished his final season at the JUCO level with 44 tackles, third-best on the team, 3.5 tackles for a loss, and numerous but uncounted pass breakups.
In addition to catching the eye of opposing JUCO coaches earning All-Conference honors, Swen has earned 10 honors from Division-II programs in the form of scholarship offers. The list includes West Georgia, Sioux Falls, Central Missouri, North Alabama, Henderson State, Slippery Rock, Davenport, Southeastern Oklahoma State, Texas A&M Commerce, and Midwestern State. The list of suitors hoping the 6-0, 185 pound, talent can bring his blanketed pass defense and stubborn run stopping skills to their program next year could grow after his spring semester grades are posted. A D-II qualifier out of high school, Swen’s grades and classes completed could attract Division-I offers making life on easy street more exciting but also more difficult before a final decision is reached.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the top JUCO corners in the 2017 recruiting class covering his sophomore season and recruiting prospects just ahead of his last days of his final spring semester.
Interview
Coming out of West Philadelphia Catholic you were one of the top defensive playmakers on your team with 47 total tackles and led the team with 15 passes defended and three picks. Looking back, how would you describe your play on the field during the 2014 season?
“During my senior year, I was the starting safety. Our secondary was good. We had a pretty good season that year but we lost in the semifinals. Our goal was to win state. Unfortunately, it got cut short.
“Playing safety, I always modeled my game after Brian Dawkins (Eagles), and that was playing aggressive. I was a leader on the team looking to help the younger guys playing under me. I tried to lead by playing hard and with passion. As a player, I gave it 100 percent every game. Every game was me trying to give it all I had to win a state championship. We had some great seniors. That year was my best year as a DB. We were connected and played with passion.”
How did you make the transition from safety in high school to corner in junior college?
“When I came to Valley I was going to play safety. Coach Tucker asked me to play corner. I played some corner in high school. At first it was difficult. I had to adjust to new reads and different keys to look at as a corner. With extra time and film study, and my coaches helping me, the transition got smoother. If you are a DB you should be able to play any position in the secondary. I wanted to play corner and the opportunity worked out in my favor.”
Since your high school days, how has your skillset evolved as a cornerback?
“My skillset has evolved a lot since high school. My game at corner, my strengths are man-to-man. I love that. I like getting my hands on the receivers. I have long arms. Once I get my hands on them I can control the route he runs and where he is going. I like playing aggressive and physical. Once I recognize the play and route, I break and go 100 miles an hour. I like to play zone also, but I like man-to-man more. I like to see who is better. I like that kind of competition. I like putting it in their head that I am better than they are and that I am going to control everything they do. I like letting them know I am going to control how productive you are today.”
LA Valley was perfect on the field during the 2016 season but had some close games. Who were some of the tougher receivers to cover during your sophomore season?
“I think one of the best receivers we faced was from Hancock. He had great ball skills. I cannot remember his name but I think his jersey was No. 9 or No. 8. I was watching a lot of film on him leading up to the game. My coach said he was good and quick on his routes. He was probably one of the best I had to face all year. He did not do too well in that game. We had a great secondary last year. I think the best in California. Once we took away him there was not much they could do.”
How did that match-up against a quality receiver help your game get better?
“It helped me because you could not take a play off. You never knew if he was going deep or on a fade. He was their best player. You had to be on your Ps and Qs. You had to be at your best. Any busted play and he could score on you. Going into that game you had to have a certain focus. Once it was game time, I knew this is what we practiced for and why I watched film all week. I knew I had to play all four quarters until we got the victory.”
What have you been doing this spring to stay in shape?
“To stay in shape, I am running on the treadmill. One of my friends who plays for Valley, we go to the beach for the resistance training. We do break drills, timing drills, and stamina drills to stay in shape. I do some drills with our defensive backs trainer; he is a coach at Valley. We work on footwork, breaking, and new techniques. I still work out with LA Valley. The coaches do a great job of keeping the kids in shape.”
I know JUCO ball is different than high school not really getting the opportunity to run a 40-yard dash too often, but what is the best 40 you’ve posted and when did you do it?
“The last time I ran a 40 was a year ago. That was around a 4.4. I have had multiple coaches tell me I look like a 4.3 guy coming out of my breaks and with my explosion.”
How many offers do you have?
“I have 10 offers. I am still talking to a couple of schools.”
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered?
“I worked out for Oregon State a couple of weeks ago. Their cornerbacks coach came out to our school. He liked my workout. He gave me some drills to do. He said he is coming back with another coach. Idaho State and Lamar University in Houston are showing interest. Lamar was one of the first schools to show a lot of interest in me. Their coach came by recently. I have talked to them here and there.”
Which schools have you visited?
“North Alabama, West Georgia – that was my first visit, and I went to Slippery Rock.”
Your graduation from junior college is coming up meaning you will have a difficult decision to make very soon. When will you announce your commitment to a four-year school?
“As soon as my grades post. I am waiting until then so I have a better understanding of where I am at with my grades and my options.”
Whichever school gets your signed letter of intent, what criteria will that school have met to make that opportunity the best fit for you?
“First and foremost, I like the winning tradition at Valley. I am not use to losing. I want to be on a team where all the guys are on the same page. I want to be at a program where they take football seriously. I want to be on a team where all the guys are putting in extra time to get better. My goal is to make it to the next level. I would like a team that has a history and tradition of getting guys to the next level. I am big on education. I want coaches that will push me to get my degree and be a better person overall. I want to feel comfortable with the coaching staff and the guys on the team too.
“The stadium and uniforms are not important to me. Getting my degree, getting to the next level, and being at a winning program are the top three things that are most important to me.”
Which degree are thinking about pursuing at a four-year university?
“Computer science or software engineering. I am a tech guy. I like to find out things about computers. I am handy with computers.”
When that moment comes for you to step on the field for your first football game at the next level, what all do you think will be going through your mind?
“How far I have come. From Philadelphia to California, and now going onto my next school wherever that maybe, my last destination. There will be a lot of emotion going through my head. Knowing how hard I have worked and pushed myself. I’ll keep pushing myself. I have two years left. I’m taking no days off and giving it my all.”
David, thanks for your time today and good luck with finals and the big decision on where you will attend school and play college ball.
“Thank you.”
Click link to see David Swen’s sophomore season Hudl reel.
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Photo credits: LA Valley College; No. 6 David Swen.