Don was a 1956 graduate of Sheffield High School where he was a member of the Bulldogs football, baseball and track squads. While being a gifted athlete in all three sports, it was football in which he excelled. He was selected All-Tri-Cities in 1954, 1955 and 1956 playing both offensive and defensive line for legendary Sheffield Coach, Walton Wright. Additionally he was elected to the All-State team in 1955 by the Birmingham News. Following high school, Don received a scholarship to Auburn University where he lettered for three years and played on the 1957 Tigers National Champion Team of Coach Ralph "Shug" Jordan.