Devaun Swafford, left, is one of two freshmen playing in Tennessee's secondary when it includes five players.KNOXVILLE -- Devaun Swafford's playing career at Tennessee is likely over for unspecified medical reasons, but the former walk-on may elect remain with the Volunteers football program in some capacity.
A program source confirmed multiple reports of Swafford's changed status Tuesday afternoon.
The 5-foot-11, 184-pound Swafford, out of Kingsport's Dobyns-Bennett High School, started two games at nickel cornerback as a freshman in 2013 and appeared in every game last season as a reserve safety and special-teams player.
He joined the Vols as a walk-on, but head coach Butch Jones placed him on scholarship last May.
Swafford scored two memorable touchdowns in his first season at Tennessee. He returned an interception 62 yards for the opening score in the Vols' eventual loss at Florida and returned a punt blocked by Jalen Reeves-Maybin for a tying touchdown against Georgia a month later.
With those plays, Swafford became just the seventh player and first true freshman in program history to return an interception for a touchdown and score on special teams in the same season.
The last player to do that was Dale Carter in 1990.
Swafford was a full participant in spring practice earlier this season, but he often wore a green non-contact jersey during practices.
He'll likely go on a medical scholarship and could take on a role as a student-coach.
Swafford, who is majoring in kinesiology, made 22 tackles in 25 appearances the past two seasons.
Contact Patrick Brown at pbrown@timesfreepress.com.