Interview: Top 2018 Arkansas TE/LB Hunter Swoboda Transferring Schools for Senior Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Over the past two seasons, Robinson High School has been one of the top 4A teams in the state of Arkansas. The Senators posted a 9-3 season in 2015, with a very young squad, and then took a big jump forward in 2016 going 12-2 with a three-game run in the playoffs before falling to eventual state champs Warren. One of the common threads on both high achieving squads putting his talents to use on both sides of the ball was Hunter Swoboda. Unfortunately for Robinson, but fortunately for Bentonville West, Swoboda will be playing his senior year wearing a different uniform.

No doubt that Robinson has been gifted with some very talented players over the past two years. Names like T.J. Hammonds (Arkansas – 2017), Koilan Jackson (Arkansas), Myles Fells (Navy), David Porter (Arkansas), and Class of 2018 standout Nathan Page have filled local newspapers and watercooler talk with their achievements helping post W’s. Earning his stripes with the best of the best has been Swoboda. Swoboda jumped onto the recruiting scene during his sophomore season recording a team-high 119 tackles with seven tackles for a loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.

High expectations were placed upon the shoulders of Swoboda during his junior year, but he did not shrink from the spotlight recording another team-high 136 tackles from his outside linebacker position with 14 tackles for a loss, two sacks, five passes defended, one fumble recovery, and one forced fumble. His role on offense expanded with 18 receptions covering 220 yards and five touchdowns scored. The high level of play helped interest roll in from teams like Memphis, Iowa State, TCU, Vanderbilt, Louisiana Tech, and in-state power Arkansas. An early offer was dropped from Air Force with a total of five now placed before Swoboda.

If any teams had any doubts about Swoboda and his abilities, perhaps moving from Arkansas 4A to 7A competition will put that to rest. If Swoboda’s size was a sticking point for a college scout, that too will no longer be an issue. Since Swoboda’s showing at the Dallas Nike Opening Regional in early March, he has added 10 pounds of muscle to his 6-4 frame now tipping the scales at 225 pounds.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the new Bentonville West Wolverine getting the inside scoop on his transfer, college camp plans, and recruitment in general.

Interview

Hunter, after putting your heart and soul into your play with Robinson you are transferring schools for your senior season. When do you transfer to Bentonville West?

“My dad got a new job In Bentonville. We are currently moving all our stuff up there. I am already enrolled at Bentonville West.”

When do you report for fall camp?

“I don’t know. I have gone through some walk-throughs with Bentonville. We have a team camp next week.”

Have your new coaches talked about how they will use you on offense and/or on defense?

“Yes. Arkansas 7A competition is different. Guys are not needed both ways in part because there are more players on the teams. But I will play both ways this year. I like how they will use me in their offense. I will be an H-back, lineup on the end, split out, and come out of the backfield. They run a 3-4 on defense. I will play inside linebacker. I am pretty excited about it. I will have major playing time both ways.”

What type of offense does Bentonville West run?

“Their offense is a lot like Robinson’s. They spread it around with a lot of bubble screens – a quick game. They run all kinds of stuff. We will throw the ball a lot. I am excited about it.”

Did you go through spring practices with Robinson?

“I did. We treated the situation as if I was staying. We were unsure of a few things so I went through practices like I was going to be there for next season.”

How did spring practices go for you with Robinson?

“It went well. We were going full out. During our first practice, Southeast Missouri was there. One of SEMO’s coaches walked up and offered me afterwards. I said ‘thank you, sir, and God bless.’ That was very cool. The next day one of the Southern Arkansas coaches texted Coach (Brian) Maupin that they were offering me.”

Which schools have come by Robinson to watch you practice during spring ball?

“We only had one full week of practices. Missouri came by one day.”

Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“Missouri, Memphis, Louisiana Tech, Iowa State, Louisiana-Monroe, and Texas State.”

Which schools have offered you?

“Air Force, Georgetown, SEMO, Southern Arkansas, and Army.”

Have you lined up any college summer camps?

“I am going to a Mega Camp at Memphis next Sunday. I am also going to a Louisiana-Monroe camp and a combine camp in Benton.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits this spring?

“We went up to Kansas.”

Do you have any unofficial visits that you might take this summer?

“Not right now. We’ve been too busy moving.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“3.79 unweighted.”

What have you scored on the ACT and/or SAT?

“I have taken the ACT twice with a composite 26.”

What goals have you set for yourself for over the summer both on and off the field?

“Off the field, I really want to get stronger. I want to be around 230 to 235 by the start of the season. I want to increase my speed. On the field, I want to catch everything thrown to me, drive through tackles, and get off blocks.”

What are you going to do for fun during your downtime this summer? Any fun plans?

“I’m planning on a church trip for three days. We will tube and water ski. I’m planning a mission trip to Chicago, but that could change.”

Hunter, thanks for your time today and good luck with all the camps and the move.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Hunter Swoboda at the Dallas Nike Opening Regional.

Photo credit: Swoboda family; Hunter Swoboda at 225 pounds.