Devaun Swafford

When most people in Kingsport hear the name “Devaun Swafford,” they think about exhilarating catches in the east endzone of J. Fred Johnson Stadium. When most people in Tennessee hear that name, their memory is drawn to images of his acrobatic interceptions as defensive back for the UT football team. When I hear “Devaun Swafford,” I, too, acknowledge all of those things. But what many people may not know is that Devaun Swafford could have been a much different story. I’ve long admired Devaun’s work ethic, perseverance, and immense commitment to his causes, but I was made even more aware of just how incredible Devaun Swafford’s story is when he talked with me this week.

Devaun was born to a 16-year-old mom and 17-year-old dad. Given the challenges that come with teenage parenthood, he was adopted by his paternal grandparents and raised in Kingsport’s Riverview community. Devaun’s grandparents were restaurant owners and, most importantly, incredibly hard workers. He got his work ethic honestly and was continually exposed to the proof that hard work pays off. Outside of the home, though, things weren’t as positively influential. Devaun recounts his childhood neighborhood as, at that time, crime-ridden and volatile. And while his grandparents served as positive influences, the other influences around him weren’t always easy to ignore.

At around 13 years old, Devaun found himself at a fork in the road. He could commit to staying in school and focusing on his academics, or he could embark on an uncertain pathway that could end, in his words, in prison or even in death. By the grace of God, Devaun chose school, and specifically sports.

It was apparent from early on in his life that Devaun had a wealth of talent, but Devaun also knew that it would require much dedication for his talent to achieve its full potential. I always say that nobody is born fabulous—there is a village of people responsible for helping them along on their journey to success. I know Devaun agrees with me when I say that.

Devaun is a product of both his hard work and the incredible teachers, mentors, coaches, and friends who believed in him and invested in him. During Devaun’s teen years, he was mentored by one Coty Sensabaugh (sound familiar?), who took him to the spring football game at Clemson and preseason NFL workouts in Florida. Even more importantly, Coty demonstrated to Devaun that there was immense opportunity for him outside the sidewalks of Kingsport, Tennessee—if he worked hard enough. While at Dobyns-Bennett, Devaun earned seemingly innumerable accolades, including MVP of the East-West All-Star football game, MVP of the Big East Football Conference, and several district, region, and All-State track honors.

He recounts receiving multiple Division II full-ride athletic scholarships but wasn’t content to settle there. His “workout buddy” Malik Foreman (a name you all also know) received a Division I scholarship to Tennessee, and that opportunity motivated Devaun to push harder and reach higher. Devaun began his career on the checkerboards as a preferred walk-on, but his talent was quickly recognized, and his walk-on status was soon upgraded to a starting defensive back position (oh yeah, and a full athletic scholarship!).

But every good story has a plot twist, and Devaun’s came during the bowl game of his sophomore season. A career-ending injury seemed to rob Devaun of another down on the gridiron. To no one’s surprise, though, Devaun’s determination did not stop with the blowing of the referee’s whistle. Because of his mind for the game and proven work ethic, he was retained by Tennessee Football as a student coach.

God always provides, and while at Tennessee, Devaun was reunited with his high-school sweetheart, Leslie Stroud. Leslie is a bright and driven DB grad who is set to begin her medical school residency in Phoenix, Arizona later this month. Needless to say, she knew how to study, and she was happy to impart her strategies to Devaun at a time when he needed them the most. To this day, Devaun credits much of his academic success to Leslie’s profound influence, and they tied the knot this past fall. Devaun graduated from the University of Tennessee and continues to pursue a career as a financial advisor.

Devaun is a Profile in Commitment—someone who inspires me to be the most committed person, and school board member, that I can be.

Devaun will never forget the community that raised him. In fact, you might have noticed his presence as a volunteer assistant on the sidelines at J. Fred this past fall. I am continually inspired by his story, and I hope you are, too.

“Never settle for just getting by or not fully applying yourself. Instead, dive in, and achieve your true potential.”

–Devaun Swafford