Claude Marion Hipps was born on April 23, 1927, in Hazlehurst, Georgia.

[1] His college career was interrupted by a stint in the United States Marine Corps.

[1] While in the military, he played football for the Atlantic Fleet All Star teams and was the MVP of the China Bowl.

[1] Hipps was named first-team All-SEC by the Associated Press his senior year in 1951.

[2] Hipps was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round, with the 78th overall pick, of the 1952 NFL draft.