2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Abe Swanson, LB, Grand Valley State University

• Name: Abe Swanson
• Position: LB
• College: Grand Valley State University
• Height: 6’0″
• Weight: 220 lbs
• (X) Twitter: @abeswanson20
• Instagram: @swany99

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

Growing up I was surrounded by the game and my older brother played and then when I started playing, I loved it, and growing up watching the Urlacher and Hester play football as a Bears fan really made me become interested in football.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My first touchdown in peewee football and I was playing cornerback and got an interception and took it back 99 yards. Some of my favorite memories are being around teammates and having relationships with them that will last forever. Beating our rival in high school and then last year with Grand Valley State being GLIAC conference champions as a team.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

My oldest brother, I’ve seen the adversity he’s dealt with. He’s taught me right from wrong and to accept everyone as who they are and that’s shaped me into who I am.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

Just the growth process I’ve seen throughout the process we’ve had at Grand Valley State going from good to great to elite and dominating every play and every game and coming out on top of the GLIAC and all of division two.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

Fred Warner, and to pick his mind about the game and watch film and ask him what it takes to take the next step to the next level.

What are your favorite things about playing football?

How you take a group of guys and that we all have the same goal, and some guys don’t get to play the game this long and to get this far and keep playing is special.

What should we know about Abe Swanson the person?

One of my biggest attributes is that I’m caring. I care about my family, my girlfriend, teammates and coaches and I always like to help others like people with disabilities.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

The one we run at Grand Valley State, where we use a mike linebacker to run sideline to sideline and I also like playing cover 2 where I can get out and into coverage.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I’m a really big solutions guy. Whether in life or on the field I always try to find answers sometimes even too quick, but I always try to think about the best solution. And I also ask others and see what they have to say to help give me advice on what I should do.

What would a team get in a player like you?

Personally, if a team were to pick me, I’m all in and I’m very versatile and a fast learner and a guy willing to do what’s best for the team to win.

What stands out about your film the most?

Definitely play recognition and I’m a very smart football player and take responsibility for what you see on film and need to run to be the most successful.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

Antonio Crosby, he was a 5′ 7″ linebacker who played with me at Grand Valley State in 2021, but he didn’t play like he was 5′ 7″ and we called him “TJ” and he was there day in and day out and did what needed to be done and he had a lot of respect in my mind.