KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee defensive back Devaun Swafford is ending his playing career for health reasons.

Volunteers coach Butch Jones confirmed via text message Wednesday that Swafford wouldn't play anymore but would remain with the program as a student-coach. Tennessee's 247Sports site reported earlier that Swafford said he sustained a spinal contusion during Tennessee's 45-28 TaxSlayer Bowl victory over Iowa last season.

Swafford, a former walk-on from Kingsport, Tennessee, earned a scholarship in May 2014 and made five tackles last season. He started two games in 2013 and had 17 tackles as well as two touchdowns, one on a blocked punt and another on a 62-yard interception return.