Aug. 30, 2007
A returning starter at right wolf safety, senior OJ Swift is the team’s top returning tackler from 2006. Swift missed most of 2007 spring practice after having his knee scoped, but made a full recovery and is poised to make a name for himself as one of the Mountain West Conference’s most productive safeties this fall.
Though soft spoken and small in stature, Swift flies around the field and plays with tremendous energy. Voted team captain this year, the Apopka, Fla. product is fearless in run support and teammates say he is probably the Lobos’ biggest hitter pound-for-pound. Swift is one of the most powerful players on the team, earning the Beefmaster award this past spring for players weighing under 200 pounds.
Swift made an immediate impact in his first Division I season in 2005 and has made significant progress as he has grown more comfortable and confident in the defensive scheme. He transferred to UNM in ’05 from Garden City (Kan.) CC in ’05 where he played with current teammate Anthony Kilby (OG). Another teammate, linebacker Herbert Felder, also attended Apopka High School. Swift has a 3-year-old daughter, Ja’naiyha.
D.J. Renteria: What does it feel like to be voted a team captain for this season?
OJ Swift: It feels real good to know that the team sees me as a person that works hard and is a team player.
DR: Of all the games on the schedule this season which one is the one you look forward to winning the most?
OS: I always hear the coaches talking about the first four games being the most important to the season because they set the tone for the rest of the season. Every game is important.
DR: Being from Florida what is the biggest difference compared to New Mexico?
OS: It’s kind of similar in the weather patterns because both places are hot. The architecture is really different here. They are all flat.
DR: What is your favorite food?
OS: Chicken made any way: baked, fried, whatever.
DR: If you were not playing football right now what would you be doing?
OS: I don’t know what I would be doing to tell you the truth. Football has been a big part of my life and I just love to play.
DR: If you were a super hero for a day what would your name be?
OS: In high school reporters and coaches called me Spider Man because I was like a web and nothing got past me.