He was named Honorable mention All-State and played in the Florida All-Star high school football game.
He also participated in track and field and was a Florida high hurdle state champion.
He was the MVP of the 1955 Gator Bowl, rushing for 57 yards on 13 carries and one touchdown in Vanderbilt's 25–13 win over the Auburn Tigers.
He was instead required to serve two years in the United States Navy after joining the NROTC at Vanderbilt.
While in the Navy he played football at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, being named the Most Valuable All-Service player in 1957.