A key cog in the Midshipmen's rushing attack over the years, running back Chris Swain believes he can make the right adjustments to succeed in the NFL.
Unlike all of the other prospects who attended the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., in January, Chris Swain already had a job lined up.
Although he's hoping to become the second Naval Academy prospect in as many years to make it to the NFL, Swain, along with record-breaking quarterback Keenan Reynolds, will eventually serve in the military as a surface warfare officer.
For now, however, he's focused on what he can possibly bring to an NFL team.
To counterbalance schools that have the ability to recruit players for athletic scholarships, the Naval Academy runs the triple option to create confusion on the ground.
In four years, Swain carried the ball 410 times for 2,176 yards and 19 touchdowns.
"Coming from the Naval Academy, we run the triple option, so it was kind of different playing the pro-style, but I like it," Swain told Redskins.com after his first Senior Bowl practice. "I learned a lot today and I started to feel really comfortable towards the end and hopefully I'll carry that out throughout the week."
During his senior season in 2015, Swain recorded career highs in carries (211), rushing yards (1,023) and touchdowns.
Five times the Macon, Ga., native rushed for at least 100 yards including each of the first two games of the season.
In Navy's 45-20 upset victory over the University of Memphis, Swain set a personal record with three rushing touchdowns.
"I run, I run really powerful," Swain said. "And I'm also a really good lead blocker and pretty good in pass protection."
But as he tries to make the leap to the NFL, Swain will have to make some adjustments to his game and become more familiar with how a running back traditional lines up and plays the game.
"I need to show that I can be able to line up deep as a running back and also lead block as a fullback in the pro-style offense," Swain said. "Mainly they're looking at me to be able to catch out of the backfield and be able to move in open space."
If Swain does catch on in the NFL, he'll still likely have to do some sort of service when he's not practicing or competing on Sundays.
"The situation is not up to me, it's up to higher up people. I always wanted to play in the NFL, but also came to the Naval Academy and I know my commitment, I know what I'm supposed to do, and I'll be happy with whatever happens," Swain said. "So, we'll see what happens after the process."
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