MOBILE, ALA. — Navy fullback Chris Swain, a graduate of Mount de Sales Academy in Macon, is getting to playing in a pro-style offense at the Senior Bowl.
He started at B-back in Navy’s triple-option offense. He started 20 games including the final 12.
He set to join former Navy standouts Napoleon McCallum (1986, MVP of the Senior Bowl), Eric Kettani (2008) and Joe Cardona (2014) as the only Midshipmen to ever play in the Senior Bowl.
Here's what Swain, who's 6-foot-1 and 245 pounds and rushed for 1,023 yards on 211 carries last season, had to say:
Q: What was your first Senior Bowl practice like?
A: It was kind of fast at first, but everything started to slow down after the walk-through. It was my first time playing in a prostyle offense is a very long time. But after practicing and as time started to go by, I started to get really comfortable. I can definitely see myself playing in that kind of offense.
Q: Describe your role in the Navy offense?
A: "I was the dive option. Usually, I run inside or I'm blocking for the quarterback or one of the slot backs."
Q: How did it go?
A: "It was cool, but the greatest experience was winning 11 games. It was awesome just being with a team for all four years and leaving with a bang like that. It was a great feeling."
Q: How did you end up at Navy?
A: "I went on a couple of visits to Georgia Southern and Valdosta State. My mom really pushed me about going to visit and going to the Naval Academy. So, I went there and I liked it a lot. I felt comfortable with all of the coaches and the players. They showed me a lot of love."
Q: How are NFL teams planning to use you?
A: "Most teams have been evaluating me as a fullback, which I'm looking forward to."
Q: Have you done a lot of lead-blocking?
A: "Yeah, I did a lot of blocking for Keenan Reynolds. We also did a lot of outside zone plays where I would have to block for the A-blocks on some of the pitches. I'm used to blocking for ball carriers."
Q: How are your pass-catching skills?
A: "That's one thing that the Navy Academy didn't really ask me to do much. I only have two catches over my career. But I've been working really hard on my hands and hopefully, this week I can get a chance to show scouts that I can catch out of the backfield."
Q: What teams have you interview with?
A: "So far, I've interviewed with the Raiders, Packers, Saints, Falcons, 49ers and a few others.
Q: When did you first start playing football?
A: "I started playing football at five years old. I always wanted to play in the NFL. My dream was to play in the NFL. So, I always thought I could play. It was just a matter of how I would get there. I always wanted to do it. Hopefully, it will become a dream come true."
Q: What are the duties of a Surface Warfare officer in the Navy?
A: "I'll be on a ship in a location.. I haven't chosen the ship or the location. It actually starts on the 28th of this week. I'll have someone fill-in. They'll choose what kind of ship and where I'll be located which will mostly likely be either San Diego or Norfolk, Va. On that ship, I'll be in charge of a division which will be enlisted sailors. I don't get the chose the division. It depends on what the ship needs. Divisions consists of like weaponry, weapon systems, navigating or operations."
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