When it came down to making his college pick, Forrest standout Tayton Swift narrowed his choice between two schools.
Though both had their merits, it was the advice of a close friend that helped Swift make his decision.
“I really narrowed it down between Tech and MTSU, and it was honestly one of the toughest decisions in my life. Brenton Burchell said “Go where you feel like they need you the most.” That kind of narrowed it down for me and helped me decide,” Swift said.
In front of a crowd of teammates, family and friends, Swift made his official college announcement and signed his letter of intent to continue his collegiate career at Tennessee Tech.
“It really means a lot. It’s been a long journey with a lot of ups and downs. The coaching staff at Forrest has done a really good job to help me get to where I am today. I couldn’t ask for more. I really appreciate everyone who has supported me through this journey. I’m just really excited to go play in college,” he said.
Swift made his living with the Rockets as the go-to, between the tackles running back.
Having entered the program known for establishing the run and sporting a loaded stable of backs, Swift’s work ethic pushed him through the depth chart as he became the go-to source for ground production during his career with the Rockets.
“He came in as a freshman and was a skinny kid, but you knew he had something with his work ethic. He left it all out on the field. That’s what we look for here—kids giving their all,” Forrest coach Eli Stephenson said.
While he was a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands, the coaching staff at Tennessee Tech see Swift’s potential on the defensive side of the ball.
“The coaches at Tech see me as playing DB and more of a nickel back to kind of take care of things on the defensive side. They’ve also talked about putting me at a slot receiver and running back,” Swift said.
“He’ll fit in. He has a to learn a new scheme, but he’s a new kid that will succeed at whatever he wants to do,” Stephenson said.
One of the things that stood out to Stephenson and the Rocket coaching staff was the hard work and dedication Swift put into bettering his game.
“He came in as a freshman and was a skinny kid, but you knew he had something with his work ethic. He left it all out on the field. That’s what we look for here—kids giving their all,” Stephenson said.
“I’m always excited for a kid to be able to move on and play college. I knew it was his dream. He’s got a great opportunity. I think he’s going to be a perfect fit at Tennessee Tech because of his work ethic. He’s going to get even better when he gets up there. I’m just looking forward to seeing what he can do at the next level.”
While it was the words of advice that helped Swift make his decision, another factor into the equation was the fact he would be able to pursue an engineering degree.
“One of the other reasons I picked Tech was is because they have a great engineering program. I’m really excited I get to study civil engineering and hopefully earn my bachelors degree,” he said.
Swift has been playing football for the better part of 13 years, and with his signing complete, has secured a spot at the collegiate level.
“I’ve been playing for about 13 years. I started out at Liberty and my dad was a coach. It’s been a process to end up at three different schools and work your way up to play as a freshman,” he said.
Throughout all the games and memories he’s collected playing football, Swift said the ultimate drive he’s had in the game was also one of the biggest landmark memories he’s had.
“Honestly the stand out of my high school career was the game after I found out my mom had breast cancer. That season, it pushed me a lot farther,” he said.
Swift will report to Cookeville next summer for preseason.