Ole Miss senior center Evan Swindall is entering his fourth year in the program. There really isn’t much that he hasn’t seen or been asked to do at this point. However, for Swindall it isn’t all about how far he can take himself, but how far he can take himself and the others around him, especially in year two of head coach Hugh Freeze’ s up-tempo offense.
“I feel more comfortable with the calls,” Swindall said. “I think (the offensive line) will be better with (the up-tempo) this year just because of experience.”
As previously mentioned, Swindall is counted upon to be a leader on the offense and help get everybody on the same page with the correct calls. However, his leadership is not limited to the other players on the field with him. He is also a key component in helping develop depth at his own position.
Outside of A.J. Hawkins, who graduated last year, sophomore Ben Still was the primary backup at center last season. This season Still returns, but he is joined by former tackle and redshirt freshman Robert Conyers.
“They’re learning,” Swindall said of the young guys. “Every time we’re in the film room I try to help them. I think they’ll be ready if anything happens.”
Things that Swindall mentions he helps the younger guys with the most are the calls at the line of scrimmage in reaction to the scheme the defense is in. The “thinking process” is the biggest adjustment for younger centers, according to Swindall.
As for himself, getting better is a bit of a different process.
“I try to practice hard every day,” he said. “I also try to watch game film of myself, and I try to be as critical as possible.”
Swindall has a simple goal when he is on the field.
“Well, I would love to never miss a block,” he said, smiling. “I’d also like to grade out a 90. I haven’t done that here yet, but I would like to do that a couple of times this season.”
Swindall also talked about added depth that freshmen Laremy Tunsil and Austin Golson bring to the offensive line this season, saying it would be very advantageous in getting more drives in with tempo.
As for how much he thinks he will be able to come off the field this season, with two guys ready behind him?
“If I had it my way, I wouldn’t,” he joked. “I think whenever the coaches feel like they need to get Ben or Robert reps, they’ll be ready.”
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