Georgia Tech won a key recruiting battle on Monday when defensive back Tre Swilling committed to the Yellow Jackets. The New Orleans native became the 12th player to commit to Paul Johnson’s 2017 class.
There’s a reason why the name “Swilling” might ring familiar to many Tech fans. Tre’s father, Pat, was an All-American linebacker in Atlanta in the 1980s before playing 13 seasons in the NFL and collecting Pro Bowl honors five times.
Pat’s younger brother, Darrell, and cousin, Ken, also played for the Yellow Jackets. Those family connections played a part in Tre’s decision.
“There was no other place that could give me more motivation then playing in their shadows and working to standout as they did in their time,” he wrote in a Twitter post. “Being able to run out on the field and look up to my father’s name on the HOF banner will serve as a constant reminder of the hard work and effort it takes to be great on and off the field.”
During the recruiting process, Tre claimed offers from LSU, Tennessee, Texas A&M, UCLA and others. The 247Sports composite index lists him as Georgia Tech’s highest-ranked commitment in the 2017 class. He is rated as the No. 43 cornerback and No. 411 player overall.
The Yellow Jacket coaches are hoping that their newest pledge will help them land another highly ranked commitment. Tre’s brother, Bruce Jordan-Swilling, is a consensus 4-star recruit in the class of 2017. According to seccountry.com, Jordan-Swilling — who can play either running back or linebacker at the college level — will reveal his college decision later this week. Georgia Tech and USC are his finalists.