By Tony Thomas
When fans of high school football in Virginia Beach, Va. talk about the talent from the area, you will hear people mention players like Percy Harvin and EJ Manuel, to name a few.
But a young and talented player is already making a name for himself and could etch his name in the annals of Virginia prep football sooner rather than later. His name is Grady Swango.
Swango is an athlete on a whole another level when it comes to practicing, training and being the best football player he can be at Cox High School. Swango does it all for the Falcons, playing offense and defense.
2024 Freshman Season Highlights- https://t.co/2TBRRJoRPA (Still in playoffs) #football #highlights #film #fast
— Grady “Blaze” Swango (@GradySwango) November 11, 2024
As a wide receiver, Swango accounted for 720 all-purpose yards and scored 11 receiving touchdowns on 34 catches. In addition, he scored a rushing touchdown from the wildcat formation. On defense, Swango recorded an INT and forced a fumble.
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When it comes to training, how Swango does anything is how he does everything. Under the tutelage of Deon Glover, or “Coach Glove,” Swango trains in the offseason, trains before practice and after practice during the season. Glover coordinates training sessions for Swango:
- Three days per week at TNDO Gym under the watchful eye of Giavanni Ruffin, working on his strength and agility.
- Two times a week he trains with speed and agility coach Jeff Woods (a former track and field All-American).
- Two times a week he trains with a wide receiver trainer (and every night after practice during the season).
- Cranks out 200 pushups and 200 sit ups, every night.
300 box squat after 3 sets of 275. I was only supposed to do 3 but I pushed myself to do 5.💪🏾 Big 300 as a freshman! #Freshman #training #recruit #squat #receiver pic.twitter.com/HxmaKaVSM8
— Grady “Blaze” Swango (@GradySwango) January 29, 2025
Swango never complains. He just puts in the work to get better every day. He also puts in hard work in the classroom, as he is a straight-A student. To Swango, academic success is just as important as athletic success.
Cox head football coach Tyler Noe said this about Swango,
“Grady is the kind of athlete every coach dream of. Known for his work ethic and leadership, Grady pushes himself every day to be great. On the field, he plays with intensity, intelligence and a never-quit attitude that sets the tone for his team. He is the first to arrive and the last to leave the weight room, constantly striving to get stronger, faster and more explosive. He understands that true success starts in the classroom. He holds himself to the highest standard. That commitment to excellence is contagious, he elevates those around him, holding teammates accountable and inspiring them to reach their full potential. He is a special kid.”
Swango is already on many college coaches’ minds, as he has garnered attention and scholarship offers from Duke, Virginia Tech, East Carolina, Western Kentucky, Marshall and Sacramento State. He will be a sophomore this fall.
The Godfather of Recruiting, Mike Farrell, had this to say about Swango,
“Swango is so smooth, athletic and versatile. Already on many radars.”
Do you want to be promoted and get your game film in front of college coaches? DM Mike Farrell on X @mfarrellsports, or email Mike at [email protected].
