After playing college football for Wake Forest, he was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2009.

After redshirting as a true freshman in 2004, Swank was a four-year starter at placekicker for Wake Forest and usually handled punting duties, as well.

As a sophomore in 2006, Swank was voted ACC Championship Game's Most Valuable Player, scoring all nine points in Wake Forest's 9–6 victory over Georgia Tech.

Swank signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on August 24, 2009 after placekicker Shayne Graham suffered a groin injury.

After spending the 2009 season out of football, Swank was signed to a future contract by the New York Giants on January 6, 2010.