Vaughan was born in Richmond, Virginia and attended Hermitage High School. He played basketball and football as a running back and linebacker. He averaged 12 yards per carry, rushed for ten touchdowns, and had 25 catches for 312 yards and four touchdowns. As a senior in 2004, he was named a first-team All-Colonial District running back and a second-team All-Colonial District linebacker.
College career
In 2005, Vaughan saw action in ten games as a true freshman. He suffered an ankle injury against James Madison, which limited his playing time. He recorded 57 carries for 203 rushing yards, caught five passes for 139 yards and a touchdown, including a 79-yard touchdown catch against Maine. He also saw action as a return specialist and returned five kickoffs for a total of 95 yards. In 2006, Vaughan played in all 11 games. He had 91 carries for 569 yards and five touchdowns which matched teammate 2007 All-American Tim Hightower's tally. He also caught 14 passes for 90 yards. In 2007, he carried 109 times for 723 yards and nine touchdowns. Vaughan filled in for leading rusher Tim Hightower after he was injured. Against Delaware, Vaughan delivered the game-winning touchdown in overtime. In 2008, he played as part of the Richmond team that would go on to win the Division I FCSNational Championship. He played in all 16 games and led the team in rushing with 355 carries for 1,884 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also caught 19 passes for 67 yards. Vaughan led the team in scoring, with a total of 120 points. Vaughan was awarded first-team All-CAA honors.
The NFL Draft Scout ranked him as the 30th running back in a field of 149 prospects for the 2009 NFL Draft. He was not selected in the draft, but was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on April 29, 2009. He was waived on August 7 when the Buccaneers claimed wide receiverMario Urrutia off waivers.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Vaughan signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 11, 2009 after the team waived/injured Drew Miller. He was waived during final cuts on September 5. The Jaguars re-signed Vaughan to their practice squad on December 21.
Carolina Panthers
On May 1, 2010, the Carolina Panthers signed Vaughan to provide depth at the running back position, where DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart were recovering from injuries. He was waived during final cuts on September 5 and re-signed to the practice squad. Vaughan was released from the practice squad on September 23.
Indianapolis Colts
Vaughan was signed to the Indianapolis Colts' practice squad on October 18. He was cut on November 3.
Buffalo Bills
Vaughan signed to the Buffalo Bills' practice squad on November 8, 2010 but left the following day for an active roster spot with the Carolina Panthers.
Carolina Panthers
Vaughan earned his first active roster spot when he was signed by the Carolina Panthers on November 9, 2010. On November 14, 2010, he scored his first NFL touchdown in his first NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On January 7, 2011, Vaughan signed a 1-year contract to stay with the Panthers through the 2011 season.
Atlanta Falcons
After he spent time on the Atlanta Falcons' active roster, the Falcons released Vaughan on August 29, 2014.
