NASHVILLE — Georgia tailback D’Andre Swift added an element of power to his explosive running style this past offseason.

Swift’s slashing, cut-back style remained in full effect in the 30-6 win at Vanderbilt on Saturday night.

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But Swift, who had 16 carries and 149 yards, appeared to run heavier thorough the holes. Still listed at 5-foot-9 and 215 pounds, Swift was breaking more tackle attempts than a season ago and doing a better job falling forward at the end of runs.

“I put on more muscle and leaned out a little more,” Swift said following Saturday night’s win. “I feel good, I feel fast, and I think I’m in the best shape I’ve been in.”

Swift’s health had been somewhat of a question mark after he appeared at UGA’s Aug. 21 practice wearing a non-contact jersey. Swift, who battled through groin and foot injuries in 2018, explained is was merely as a precaution.

“There’s nothing wrong with me, I’ve been fine,” Swift said. “I’m fine right now, I’m good.”

Swift’s 149 yards on 16 carries ranked second in the SEC in opening week, trailing only the 197 yards rushed for by Texas A&M Kylan Hill.

The question is, how much use will Swift get in what figure to be blowout victories the next two weeks against Murray State and Arkansas State?

The Bulldogs split carries in the opener between Swift (16), senior Brian Herrien (12) redshirt freshman Zamir White (5) sophomore James Cook (2) and receivers Demetris Robertson (2) and Tyler Simmons (2).

Surprisingly, he backs caught only three passes, Cook with two and Herrien with one.

Swift, who had almost as many catches last season (32) than every other returning playing combined (37), did not have a catch.

Most of Swift’s work came against Vanderbilt’s stacked defense, as man as eight Commodores near the line.

“I feel like defenses do (key on Swift),” Swift said. “But if our O-Line blocks how it’s supposed to, no one can stop us.”

The Bulldogs rushed for 325 yards on 40 carries, an average of 8.1 yards per attempt agains Vanderbilt.

Georgia RB D’Andre Swift

 

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