Nathan Swift

Wide Receiver...6-3...185...Hutchinson, Minn. (Hutchinson)

Wide receiver Nathan Swift was the first player to commit to Nebraska's 2004 class, making his decision last June after attending the Big Red Football School. Swift is one of two Husker recruits from Hutchinson (Minn.) High, joining All-America offensive tackle Lydon Murtha. The pair are the first two Minnesotans to sign with Nebraska since 1995. Swift was a three-year starter on both sides of the ball for Coach Andy Rostberg's team each of the past three seasons, playing wideout, tailback, free safety, and returning kicks. Swift did most of his damage as a senior from the tailback position, when he led the state with 2,500 yards rushing and scored 30 total touchdowns, including 29 by rush. Swift averaged 8.6 yards per carry and also caught 16 passes for 204 yards and helped Hutchinson to a 9-4 record and an appearance in the Class 4A (second-largest) state title game. He topped 200 yards rushing six times in 2003, including 329 yards against Northfield High. His most extensive time at receiver came in the first two games of the season, when he caught 11 passes, before moving primarily to the backfield. Swift was named the Metro Player of the Year by the Minneapolis Star-Tribune and was the Minnesota Player of the Year according to the Associated Press. He also earned first-team all-state and all-metro honors as a running back, and for the third straight year earned first-team All-Missota Conference and all-area honors. As a junior, Swift rushed for more than 1,000 yards and had more than 900 receiving yards with 25 total touchdowns. He helped his team to a berth in the state semifinals and was a first-team all-state pick (AP) as a kick returner. Swift earned second-team all-state honors as a kick returner as a sophomore. Swift finished his prep career with 4,396 yards rushing, 1,648 yards receiving and 72 total touchdowns. He also had 16 interceptions from his defensive back spot. Swift is ranked as the No. 4 overall prospect in the state of Minnesota by Rivals.com and is listed as the nation's 50th-best wide receiver prospect by the service. He was an All-Midwest region selection by PrepStar Magazine, while SuperPrep listed him as the 36th-best prospect in the Midwest. Swift has also participated in basketball and track for Hutchinson High. He is a three-year starter in basketball and was an honorable-mention all-conference pick last season. This year, he averages about 10 points per game. He ran track as a freeshman and sophomore and earned all-conference honors each year. He chose Nebraska over his homestate school Minnesota. Swift is the son of Jeff and Lori Swift and was born on Aug. 24, 1985.

Why Nebraska? ? "Everyone down there is on the same page and together as a team. The coaches are real comfortable working together and in tune with each other. Everything is set up so well for the student-athletes."