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SDS talent evaluators Jon Cooper and Brad Crawford spent several months breaking down last year’s highlights, incoming talent and projected 2014 impact following spring practice to compile a list of the SEC’s Top 100 players heading into fall. Athletes were selected by position then ranked overall counting down to No. 1.
Stick with SDS throughout summer and get in on the action using the hashtag #SDSTop100 as we unveil a new player daily leading up to opening night on Aug. 28.
33. Damian Swann, Sr., CB, Georgia
When Swann looks around him during the Bulldogs’ opener against Clemson on Aug. 30, he’s guaranteed to see a couple new faces as Georgia’s only multi-year returning starter in the secondary. Depleted by transfers and dismissals, Swann’s the most important player at the back end for Mark Richt and packs a considerable punch despite being under 6-foot and 180 pounds.
Swann’s specialty is jumping routes and being the first to arrive at the point of contact near the sideline. He hasn’t picked off a pass since posting two interceptions during Georgia’s Capital One Bowl win over Nebraska on Jan. 1, 2013, but that streak should snap quickly as a senior.
Georgia’s inexperience in the secondary is sure to be tested during the first two games of the season against Clemson and South Carolina and Swann welcomes the opportunity.
2013 statistics: 57 tackles, 8 PBU
2014 projection: 58 tackles, 2 INT, 8 PBU
