Swindall is starter for strong U.S.

[rebeljim]

Evan Swindall won't take his first college course for a few weeks, but the future Ole Miss Rebel is getting an early education in post-high-school football.

Swindall, a standout offensive lineman from LaFayette, is part of the United States Junior Olympic team participating in the International Federation of America Football Junior World Cup in Canton, Ohio. It is the first time the IFAF has competed on the junior level, which includes athletes recently graduated from high school.

A U.S. senior team picked from college graduates is chosen once every four years. That began in 1999.

The U.S. junior squad defeated France 73-0 in its first game this week and added a 55-0 victory over Mexico on Wednesday. The U.S. faces Canada in the gold medal game Sunday, which is slated for televising on a Fox Sports network.

The 6-foot-3, 290-pound Swindall will start over a more highly recruited player, according to his father, LaFayette coach Perry Swindall.

"He beat out the guy they expected to start at center -- Jack Mehart, a 6-7 guy who has signed with Ohio State," Coach Swindall said. "Evan is easily the smallest guy on the line, but he was starting by day three because he showed the coaches he really knew the position and what everyone else was supposed to be doing. He's having a lot of fun and learning quite a bit."

Each of the 45 U.S. players has signed with an NCAA Division I school, and all but a handfull are from the North and Northeast. Evan Swindall is the only player from Georgia.

"It's quite a process to get selected," Perry Swindall said. "The IFAF calls college coaches to see if they agree to let the kids play, and once they do they make their list and offer the invitations. It's really an honor to get selected. I have been really impressed with the whole experience. This American team is really good."

His son, who has played line in the spread offense in high school, is learning the nuances of blocking in a more run-oriented attack this week. He believes the experience can only help him at Ole Miss.

"There's been a lot to learn because I've never been in an I-formation offense, which is a lot more run than pass," he said. "We're going hard at practice and I hope it will help me in college. It's pretty fun to play against guys from all around the world. They all play hard."

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009 ... strong-us/

[john_avery_fast]

good to know he is a quick study, since we don't seem to be preparing an underclassman to compete for the Center position after the graduation of both Geralds and Jean-Louis. Hopefully this greyshirt year will allow him the opportunity to increase his strength.

[bleuwolfe]

The U.S. junior squad defeated France 73-0 in its first game this week and added a 55-0 victory over Mexico on Wednesday.

but do they play a team who actually knows how to play American FB? France???? Mexico? Please. No disrespect to Evan or the other guys, but 73-0?

[rebelliousb]

The U.S. junior squad defeated France 73-0 in its first game this week and added a 55-0 victory over Mexico on Wednesday.

but do they play a team who actually knows how to play American FB? France???? Mexico? Please. No disrespect to Evan or the other guys, but 73-0?

If it were 10-3 I'd be concerned or at least unimpressed about Evan. 73-0 gives you hope that he can block, anyway.

[bleuwolfe]

The U.S. junior squad defeated France 73-0 in its first game this week and added a 55-0 victory over Mexico on Wednesday.

but do they play a team who actually knows how to play American FB? France???? Mexico? Please. No disrespect to Evan or the other guys, but 73-0?

If it were 10-3 I'd be concerned or at least unimpressed about Evan. 73-0 gives you hope that he can block, anyway.

I see your point, but for me its like the high school bully stealing the 1st grader's lunch- assuming they play by the American FB rules. The only thing I know about French/Mexican FB is that they play Futbol. Anyway guess they want to be there, so hope all the kids have a good time. Canada should be a better test.

[badmotorfinger]

Wow. France and American FB should never be mentioned in the same sentence. I'm surprised they didn't surrender from the start.

[OMNOB]

Wow. France and American FB should never be mentioned in the same sentence. I'm surprised they didn't surrender from the start.

Judging by the score, they sure should have.