Kesley Finch is a 1975 graduate of Sheffield High School. At Sheffield, he played both football and ran track. He was chosen as the Defensive MVP on the Birmingham Post-Herald Super Prep Football Team in 1974 and was also selected to the Super 12 Squad in 1975. He was MVP of the Alabama All-Star Football Game in 1975-76. 

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Following high school, Kelsey was awarded a football scholarship to the University of Tennessee where he lettered for four years. He holds the Southeastern Conference record for the longest run from scrimmage (99 yards against Florida in 1977).