Brandon Swift, 2015 6-1/175 lbs QB has a new location, but same goal. The new member of the Palm Harbor Hurricane football team is an East Lake transfer who served as a reserve QB for the Eagle last season. Attempted just 25 passes, completing 14 of those for 200 passing yards.
The starting QB battle lasted all spring and summer, with Jake Hudson earning the job and performing well during the season. Swift, never discouraged, always ready for his number to be called, learned from the sideline and was a great teammate. But he wanted an opportunity. Hudson will likely return as the starting QB for East Lake leaving Swift in the reserve roll once again for his senior season.
BCP: Describe a time when you failed to meet expectations and why? How did you feel? What lesson did you learn from it?
SWIFT: A time when I failed to meet expectations is when I went to East Lake and worked really hard for the starting job, but I failed to get it. It really drives me in the weight room and on the field to give it my all, and it taught me to make the most of the situations that life gives you. I always leave everything I have on the field, and I always look back at the situation I was in at East Lake, and it mentally drives me to always out compete the guy standing next to you.
BCP: What are your top 2 traits as a QB?
SWIFT: My top two traits as a Quarterback are 1) Being a leader by pushing my teammates to be the best they can be, and 2) Being a good accurate passer that makes good decisions.
BCP: Why did you transfer from East Lake to Palm harbor?
SWIFT: I transferred from East Lake to Palm Harbor because I wanted an opportunity to be the starting Quarterback for my senior year and being able to lead Palm Harbor to a successful season. I always had a dream of playing college football as well, and I felt being the starter at Palm Harbor gave me a better chance of getting recruited compared to being the backup at East Lake.
BCP: When was the last time you lost your temper? What was the situation and why do you think this affects you so?
SWIFT: I’m normally a pretty composed guy, I can’t recall a time when I completely lost my temper, but what makes me upset is when someone tells me “you will never be able to do something.” It drives me crazy. I like to set goals high, and I might not be the biggest, fastest guy out there. But I am very mentally tough, and all the people who doubt me motivates me to work harder, and I always finish every rep! I have a competitive nature and I hate to lose.
BCP: What motivates you and what doesn’t?
SWIFT: There are many things that motivate me, but the biggest thing that motivates me is that no one really knows who I am yet. I haven’t been able to be a starter, but I was not in the right place at the right time. This upcoming senior season I want to show everyone who I am and what the Palm Harbor Hurricanes are capable of. I was excited to meet our new head coach Reggie Crume last week, and he is a hard working guy that will do anything for his players. We will face plenty of adversity against a tough schedule, but we are going to work hard and make the most out of every day that is given! I’m motivated to lead my team to victory. And one thing that does not motivate me is finishing 2nd, I always want to work for the top spot.
BCP: What is your 5-year goal?
SWIFT: My 5 year goal is to hopefully get a college scholarship into a good school and play football, and get a quality education. I would love to have a career that has anything to do with football; I eat sleep and breathe the sport. It may be coaching, marketing for an athletic franchise, maybe being a team doctor off a sports medicine degree. My options are open and I’m excited for the future!
BCP: Tell me in no more than 2 words what you think BCP does?
SWIFT: Provides Opportunities!