Philly kid D'Andre Swift continues to show he fits right in with Bulldogs

ATLANTA | The freshman from Philadelphia who committed to Georgia in a snazzy video running through the streets of his hometown like Rocky delivered the final knockout blow of Auburn on Saturday.

Running back D’Andre Swift zoomed through a big hole and ran down the left sideline for a 64-yard touchdown run with 10:34 to go to punctuate the Bulldogs’ 28-7 SEC championship win over Auburn Saturday night in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The 5-foot-9, 215-pound Swift led Georgia with 88 rushing yards on seven carries, giving him 608 rushing yards and three touchdowns this season.

“For a kid from Philly, people don’t really get this chance to make it out.” Swift said. “My city is behind my back.”

Georgia needed Swift to step up in the second half after tailback Sony Michel left the game with a left knee injury.

Georgia senior tailback Nick Chubb said the running backs give Swift “a little trouble,” about finishing on runs.

“We tell him he needs to break away, and he was picking his knees up, man,” Chubb said. “He was moving on that. We’re proud of him. He’s a great running back.

Swift said with Michel injured, “I knew I could contribute in any way. I know what kind of player I am and am real confident in my play.”

Swift, who also added three catches for 17 yards, is fourth on the team with 15 catches for 146 yards and a touchdown.

“Just to come in here as a freshman and contribute the way I have and coach just being able to trust me and put me out there in the first place, it’s a blessing,” Swift said.

He is one of several freshman who have prominent roles on this team.

“It just seems like the culture is changing,” freshman right tackle Andrew Thomas said. “The seniors, the older guys, they lead us and we try to come in and do our part. That’s just how it works.”

Swift is the No. 3 guy behind established stars Chubb and Michel.

Chubb rushed for 78 yards on 13 carries Saturday, moving into second in SEC history with 4,559 yards, behind only Herschel Walker who was on hand to watch these Bulldogs run for 238 yards.

“When they came back (instead of going to the NFL), I was happy,” Swift said. “It was a positive for me. They can teach me everything and I can learn from two great backs.”

For the record, yes, Swift said he likes cheesesteaks.

“Philly cheesesteaks,” he said.

He prefers Geno’s over Pat’s.

Asked if he’s found any good cheesesteaks in Athens, Swift showed his hometown pride: “Not like Philly, no.”