Recruiting Report: Bastian Swinney (2021)

The Edina Hornets have long been one of Minnesota's premier prep football programs. My memories of Hornet studs goes as far back as Mr. Football winner and captain of the New York Islanders: Anders Lee. However, I also remember the likes of Mike Rallis, who was a Gopher captain and now performs in the WWE. I got to play against his brother Nick when I was in high school at Southwest, and got to witness the strength and tenacity of the Edina Hornet's firsthand. Since my days as a Laker, Edina has still been producing Minnesota studs, with the lineage of hammers including last year's Quinn Carrol (Notre Dame) and Matt Cavanagh (Harvard). With their graduation, Edina had some literal big shoes to fill to achieve success in 2019, and Bastian Swinney (6'6, 270) took no time in filling those shoes. The 2021 OL already holds offers from Power 5 schools Iowa State, Kansas, and Kansas State, and there are sure to be many more to follow. [caption id="attachment_13171" align="alignright" width="300"] Credit: Bastian Swinney Hudl[/caption] I was lucky enough to catch up with Swinney in an exclusive interview with Northstar Football News, where the D1 bound OG/T gave us some insight on his background, the Edina Hornet season, and his recruitment thus far. NFN: Tell us a little bit about yourself, Bastian. How did you start playing football and what do you love about it? Swinney: "Well, I'm originally from here, but moved away for a few years to Miami, Florida, where I really learned how to play aggressive and violent football. I've played football for as long as I can remember. Some fun facts about me are that I really enjoy nature, and spend a lot of time outdoors with my friends and family. I am 6'6, 270 lbs., run a 5 second 40, max deadlift is 505, and bench 245. What I love about football is the character growth you develop as a player and teammate. It really teaches you life skills you can't learn from other sports." NFN: Share some details of Edina's season last year, the Hornet offseason, expectations for 2019, and what you enjoy about playing football for Edina! Swinney: "Last year we had a lot of highlights, we were a solid group up front with a dangerous defense, but sadly we had to end on a sour note with an upset. I learned to keep my head up always and to keep on grinding to better myself and my team. This season I'm challenging myself and my teammates to hold ourselves to higher standards, be technicians, and doing all of the little things right. The offseason was great. I went to many camps to hone my footwork and got in the weight room a lot to put on mass and get stronger. Playing football at Edina isn't easy, nothing's handed to you and that's what I love about it. If you don't work, you don't play, simple as that. Coach wants guys who want to go out there and work their tails off every rep and every play, and I think we are creating a great culture around here." NFN: Elaborate on the first four games of the 2019 season, as well as some details on your recruiting process thus far! Swinney: "The first four games were a blast. I played really well and I'm happy with my play and holding myself to a higher standard. For college teams, I'd have to say I'm looking at three things: 1) academics, 2) football, 3) location. Getting offers from ISU, KState, and KU all are truly an honor, and I'm grateful to think that programs like that want me to be apart of it. I've learned that a level head is needed throughout the (recruiting) process, and that I need to stay in my lane and not listen to the outside buzz." I don't know about you all, but I would love to see PJ Fleck offer Swinney and at least give us a chance at seeing him in Maroon and Gold! 2019 Mid-season Hudl: <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2BqZgM">http://www.hudl.com/v/2BqZgM</a>