Freeze said he was impressed with the work Swinney (5 feet 9, 197 pounds) has put in since returning from a stress fracture in his leg.
“(He) hasn’t gotten a ton of carries (since being cleared from injury), but today he looked quick, powerful, strong and finished runs well,” Freeze said. “I liked what I saw.”
Swinney is battling for the starting position with junior Jordan Wilkins and senior Akeem Judd. They combined for 847 yards and with seven touchdowns in 2015, when then-senior Jaylen Walton was the starter.
Quarterback Chad Kelly, who actually is the Rebels’ leading returning rusher, also is impressed with Swinney.