Vaughn attended East High School in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where he practiced football, basketball and track.
As a sophomore, he started 11 games at free safety, tallying 65 tackles, one interception and 3 pass deflections.
As a junior, he was moved to the starting right cornerback position, registering 70 tackles (3 for loss), 3 interceptions, 14 pass deflections, one sack and one quarterback pressure.
[4] He contributed to the team achieving a 10–1 regular season record, the WAC's Pacific title and a 22 ranking in the AP Poll.
[5] On July 23, he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and was placed on the injured reserve list on August 14.