Fred Talley was a tailback in Longview, Texas, where he played for Robert Bero, former coach of the Longview High School Lobos, leading his high school team to a state runner-up finish and a #3 national ranking as a junior.
As a sophomore in 2000, Talley rushed 768 yards and five touchdowns despite playing in only eight games,[2] helping the Razorbacks reach the Las Vegas Bowl.
[4] Talley's rushing yardage against Auburn is the third-highest in school history, behind Darren McFadden and Dickey Morton.
[7] Talley was not selected in the 2003 NFL draft, but was signed as a free agent by the Atlanta Falcons.
Talley also had free agent contracts with the Canadian Football League's Edmonton Eskimos in 2004 and the Montreal Alouettes for the 2005 season, but was released in the pre-season each time.