2021 Countdown to Kickoff: 18 Days Part II (Javon Swinton)

Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

The 2021 Countdown to Kickoff is more than 80% complete. It has been a hot summer and a long offseason but the 2021 college football season is in sight. Today’s countdown piece has two different profiles, one defensive player and one offensive player: Jonathan King and Javon Swinton.

Name: Javon Swinton

Hometown: Stafford, Virginia (North Stafford High School)

Position: Wide Receiver

Year: Sophomore

Height/Weight: 6’2”/187 pounds

A multi-position starter at North Stafford High School in Virginia, Javon Swinton arrived in Bloomington after starring in both football and basketball. Starred might be an understatement. He was a two-time all-region selection on the gridiron and the all-time leading scorer for North Stafford High School with an average of 27 points per game in basketball. He played cornerback and wide receiver for North Stafford but with his 6’2” frame, there was no question what he’d be playing in college and IU brought him to Bloomington as a wide receiver.

Swinton’s freshman season was not an easy one as Covid-19 disrupted every part of normal collegiate life. Still, he was able to appear in eight contests and started in the Outback Bowl. He totaled four catches for 52 yards. The numbers are not impressive but he looked the part and his size makes him an intriguing player moving forward.

Despite his potential, it will not be easy to see a ton of snaps for an IU team that is quite deep at wide receiver. Start with the returning contributors: Ty Fryfogle is one of the best wideouts in the country and he’s back for his “super senior” season. Jacolby Hewitt and Miles Marshall both saw significant playing time in 2020 and they are back for larger roles in 2021. Add in a pair of transfers that are expected to play quite a bit: D.J. Matthews figures to step into what was Whop Philyor’s role and take over slot duties while Camron Buckley was contributor at Texas A&M that should see snaps on the outside. Now factor in freshman or redshirt freshman that have yet to play but were all either four-star or high three-star talents: David Baker, Jaquez Smith, Da’Shaun Brown, Jordyn Williams and Malachi Holt-Bennett. As you can see, the battles for playing time will be fierce.

Javon Swinton looked up to that in the brief time he was seen last season. He moves with fluidity and coaches have said he has great hands. Even if he does not advance to a prominent role in 2021, the future is bright in Bloomington for Javon Swinton.

The countdown continues with a new profile each and every day so come back to hoosierhuddle.com daily!