A hometown target for the Defenders, Tate Swager Tate Swager 6'2" | 190 lbs | DB/WR Sioux Center | 2027 IA is an instinctual safety that could project to that position or nickel at the next level. Natural in his movements when it comes to reacting to the quarterback’s eyes, Swager is able to then find the ball in the air for a pick, pass-breakup or to pop the pass-catcher and knock it away.

A sure-handed receiver in the passing game, Swager serves as a safety-valve target for his quarterback when the pocket breaks down or the Warriors need a short gain to get closer, or past the sticks.

Prep Redzone Iowa last wrote about Swager back in August. Since then, the talented Sioux Center athlete put a productive junior season on his recruiting resume. He piled up 44.0 tackles, 25 of which were solo stops. Swager led the Warriors with eight passes defended and he picked off a pair of throws. He flashed versatility by returning kicks and punting. Swager’s 11th-grade highlight video impresses. There’s a natural comfortability when lining up a free safety. He diagnoses the opponent’s intentions quickly and puts himself in position to deliver plays. Swager brings size to the position and a level of physicality needed at the spot. He caught six passes for 38 yards and flashes potential as a receiver. Swager would be an asset on special teams at the next level no matter where he lines up on offense or defense.

Swager came up with 30.5 tackles as a sophomore in 2024. Of those stops, 23 were solo. There’s a limited amount of footage on Swager’s Hudl page. What is housed there reveals an intriguing free safety prospect. Swager diagnoses plays quickly and effectively. His height and long arms help him in pass coverage, allowing him to challenge jump balls. He also gets downhill in a hurry in the running game. Swager already packs a punch when he hits the ball carrier with plenty of time to grow into more power.