Community and family provide ‘Chick’ a strong foundation

“I coached him ever since he was 6 years old, and we started right here out on that field.”

Those are the words of Randy Swint, father of UCF Football star running back Taevion Swint. And the field he is talking about? That field is located in Kissimmee, Florida, and it served as the backdrop of Taevion’s childhood football memories. 

Taveion was given the nickname “Chick” by his family members since he was the youngest of three boys born to Serita and Randy Swint. He comes from a generational lineage of football players from his grandparents to his brothers, making his participation in the sport inevitable. 

“Football to us is more than just a game. Football is our life,” Randy Swint stated. 

Taevion didn’t just participate, he excelled at Osceola High School, where he was the offensive player of the year in 2022 and an adidas All-American. In Swint’s final high school game, he led Osceola High School to the 2024 FHSAA Class 6A state championship and scored a second-quarter touchdown in an eventual 26-7 loss to West Boca Raton High School. 

However, as Swint walked off the field at Pitbull Stadium in Miami with teammate Connor Howes, it was obvious that his journey with football was just getting started. 

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The May sun was shining bright and hot over Joe Day Field in Kissimmee, Florida, as La’Randy “Bill” Swint, the oldest brother of Taevion, prepared to do what he had been doing for most of his life: coach football.

However, this time, Bill Swint wasn’t the only member of the Swint family who would be barking out coaching points. On this day, he would be joined by Taevion, who, in partnership with his agency Influencer Counsel, hosted hundreds of kids ages 6-12 in a free football clinic focused on fundamentals and teamwork. 

Campers participated in rapid-paced drills, practicing defense and offensive plays, and hyping up their teammates throughout the day. The kids were divided by age group and experience level, allowing participants to play at their full potential on the field. 

La’Randy Swint believes that coaching kids the right way as they start youth football will give them an opportunity to compete at a higher level as they get older.  

“You know it’s funny, because all the kids start off in youth football,” Swint said. “I feel like all the talent surrounding them shows that the door is kicked down, and it’s time for the youth to flood in.” 

One of the kids attending the camp is Kareem Robinson Jr, a local kid with big dreams. Kareem’s mother, Jennie John, watched along as her son participated in the camp.

“It was great seeing him get out there on the field and execute everything his coaches had taught him,” John said. 

She is also hopeful that her son will learn life lessons from being on a football team while maintaining his individuality.

“Humbleness is the key to getting to the top. Always respect and maintain who you are,” John said.

Taevion’s dedication to the community has also impacted some of his former Osceola High School teammates, including Connor Howes, who currently plays offensive line for Ole Miss. Howes was at the event to support his former teammate.

“We both made it our own way. We both made it out, and I just think he’s got to keep doing what he’s doing,” Howes said. “He’s on the right path, and hopefully we play against each other one day.” 

Current Osceola High School football junior offensive lineman Jason Lewis remembers Taevion’s ability on the field and at the school.

“He is a great person, and a great leader on and off the football field,” Lewis stated. 

Taevion himself is grateful for all of the support from his friends and teammates in organizing the event, including his agency, Influencer Counsel.

“Whenever I have a lot going on with football, they’re there to help,” Swint said. “They helped put all of this together for me, which makes me very proud and happy.” 

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As the camp began to wind down, Taevion Swint was joined at the event by Ric’Darious “DayDay” Farmer, one of his current teammates on the UCF Knights Football team. Swint and Farmer both missed the 2025 season due to knee injuries sustained during pre-season practices. 

While it was hard for Taveion’s mother, Sherita Swint, to see her son injured, she’s proud of how he’s responded.

“He did everything that he was told to do, he’s ready to go… back and better than ever. Everything is mental. Yeah, there’s a physical part of it. You’re going to take bumps and bruises on the road, but be an inspiration to the next person. Help that next person.”

Taevion attacked his rehab and recovery hard, and is now healthy and back on the practice field for the Knights. And, with the departures of UCF running backs Myles Montgomery and Jaden Nixon to graduation, he could see significant playing time in 2026, something that his father, Randy, is ready for.

“I’m ready to see him get out there and do what he loves doing. He’s had stumbles along the way, but with the help of the good lord, support from friends and family. I know he’s ready to go.” 

La’Randy Swint also has high expectations for his younger brother.

“Just put on a show for the UCF Knight Nation. You know, he’s a camera guy. He’s going to make the crowd stay on their feet and just be overall excited.” 

Taevion himself is ready for the season to get started so he can make his long-awaited Knights debut in front of the home fans. His teammate Day Day Farmer is excited, too.

“Number six gonna come and give ya’ll a show everytime he be on that field,” Farmer said.

As both players smiled and laughed, Taevion was asked for his final thoughts:

“Go Knights. Charge On.”