He went to Edison High School, Stockton, California, in the late 1960s and early 1970s and played under its legendary coach, Charlie Washington.
Known for his speed, San Diego State University head football coach Claude Gilbert said of Harrell, "When he's even, he's leavin'".
[5] He was drafted by and played for head coach Bart Starr, serving the team as a running back and kick returner for three seasons.
Cardinals head coach Jim Hanifan said of Harrell that he was "one of the smallest men to play in the National Football League in size and certainly one of the biggest in heart, desire and intelligence.
[9] Willard Harrell was born in Stockton, California and currently resides in Lake St. Louis, Missouri, where he owns a State Farm Insurance office.