Denney attended Donelson High School, where he lettered in football, basketball and baseball.
As a junior, he was moved from fullback to tight end, becoming a starter, while posting 14 receptions for 206 yards and 2 touchdowns.
As a senior, he posted 21 receptions for 264 yards and 7 receiving touchdowns (school record for tight ends).
He finished his college career with 35 receptions for 470 yards and 9 touchdowns (school record for tight ends).
[3] On September 6, 1967, he was traded along with Mac Percival to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a third round draft choice (#71-Ed Harmon).