As college football gets underway with its official Week 1 on Saturday, some exciting news comes out of the professional ranks for UF fans, with former Florida Gators wide receiver Freddie Swain making the Seattle Seahawks‘ initial 53-man roster as an incoming rookie.
Swain was selected with the No. 214 pick by the Seahawks at the end of the sixth round in the 2020 NFL draft — the second-to-last Gator taken in the draft, with receiver Tyrie Cleveland following him at No. 252 to the Denver Broncos — and officially signed his rookie contract on June 8.
Also notable: Rookie WR Freddie Swain has made the #Seahawks initial 53-man roster.
— Joe Fann (@Joe_Fann) September 5, 2020
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A four-star recruit from nearby North Marion High School in Ocala, Swain was one of the top recruits in Florida’s 2016 class. He made an immediate impact as a reserve receiver his true freshman season, playing in 13 games and tallying eight catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns.
Playing in all 11 games — starting four — his sophomore campaign, matching his catch total from his freshman season with eight, but this time for only 96 yards and a touchdown in a disappointing season. He broke out his junior year, making 14 catches for 265 yards and five touchdowns, along with punt returning duties which netted him 224 yards on 22 returns, including an 85-yard touchdown.
His best year came as a senior in 2019, when he appeared in 12 games — starting six — and earned career highs in catches, yards and touchdowns. He had 38 catches for 517 yards and a team-high seven touchdowns. He also saw some action on special teams, taking 14 kick returns for 56 yards and two punt returns for 39 yards.
It is likely that Swain will be relegated to special teams duties during his rookie campaign, but he might see some throws out at the receiver position as well depending on how things shake out. And in 2020, anything can happen.
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