Cecil was a 1953 graduate of Sheffield High School where he played football for Coaches Walton Wright and A. C. Curry He played five years for the bulldogs beginning in the 8th grade. In addition to football he also played basketball and ran track. He was selected Most Valuable Player of the football team as well as Co-Captain of both the football and basketball squads his senior year. He was a member of the All Tri-Cities Football team three straight times and the All TVC team in 1953. Following high school he was signed to a scholarship by Florence State College where he played two seasons for the Lions before going into the Navy.