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With the NFL Scouting Combine underway, news, rumors, and speculation will continually flow out of Indianapolis as results filter in, scouts or general managers talk with certain players, or soon-to-be free agents' representatives float around Lucas Oil Field. Yesterday, Texas A&M wide receiver Ryan Swope met with the media, talking about his NFL future.
Swope, obviously, was teammates with Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill at Texas A&M, and the connection between the two came up several times during the media availability.
"I've talked to Ryan a handful of times," Swope said about any advice Tannehill had for him about the draft process. "We keep in touch. We're real close. So I keep in contact with him quite a bit.
"He just said get ready to compete. It's an opportunity to go prove yourself. He just said stay positive. 'It's a long process. Have fun with it.'"
Swope spent last year catching passes from Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel after Tannehill was drafted by the Dolphins. Asked about making the transition from Tannehill to "Johnny Football," Swope responded, "They are two different quarterbacks. Obviously, Tannehill is doing great things in Miami. I had the privilege of playing with him and became real good friends with him through coach Sherman's staff. I've got nothing but good things to say about Tannehill and his game. We had real special chemistry together.
"Then, you've got Johnny Football. He's a redshirt freshman, comes in and wins the Heisman and one word that describes him is elusive. He's a playmaker when he's back there. He can make people miss. It's an honor to be a part of two great legend quarterbacks at Texas A&M and to be able to come through there and play with those guys."
The idea of Swope reuniting with his former quarterback, as well as his former head coach, Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman, and wide receiver Jeff Fuller, all of whom were at Texas A&M together, was brought up. "That would be cool," Swope replied. "That chemistry that me and Ryan had was special. To go reunite would be pretty cool."
Asked if he was surprised by the early pro success of Tannehill, who initially played wide receiver at Texas A&M, Swope responded, "I wasn’t surprised at all. I know Ryan real well. Watching his game film, I studied him and how he played and he ran the offense. He’s a great leader. All around he’s a guy you want at that quarterback spot leading your football. He’s awesome, very competitive and a very smart football player."
Swope will be doing the bench press later today at the Combine. He, along with the rest of the wide receivers, will be doing the rest of the drills tomorrow.
Stay with us here at the Phinsider for full results from all of the Combine throughout the week.