He played collegiately at the University of North Alabama .  He is the only defensive player to ever win the Harlon Hill award (Division II equivalent of the Heisman Trophy).  He led the University of North Alabama to three straight national championships.  A three time consensus first teamAll-American.  He was a four-time first team All-Gulf South Conference pick.  Named the conference Player of Quarter Century (1971-’95).  He holds UNA records for career tackles (621) and season tackles (175).  He played ten years in the NFL, nine as a starter for the Arizona Cardinals and finished his career with the New Orleans Saints.  He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.