A 1958 graduate of Cherokee Vocational High School, Ralph was an important part of the Indians rise to prominence as a football power under Coach Bud Mills in the late 1950's. Coach Mills has stated that Ralph was one of the best linemen he ever coached comparing him to Cherokee great and Alabama All-American Cecil Dowdy. After high school, Ralph received a scholarship to play for UT Martin College where he started every game in his four year college career except the first one of his freshman campaign. In 1960 and 1961 he was voted a team captain by his teammates, named the Most Valuable Offensive Lineman and was a Williamson Little All-American at tackle during his junior and senior season. He was also selected to the Volunteer State Athletic All-Conference Team in 1961 and 1985 Ralph received the honor of being inducted into the UT Martin Athletic Hall of Fame.