Emanuel was a graduate of Deshler High School in 1978 and the University of North Alabama in 1982. He was a three sport athlete for the Tigers, playing football, basketball and running track. In football, he was selected as the team's best offensive back in 1977 and the team's most valuable player in 1978. He was also the MVP in basketball in 1978. Following the 1977 and 1978 seasons he was selected to the All-Area team in football. After high school, he was awarded a football scholarship to the University of North Alabama where he played defensive back for the Lions. He was a member of UNA's Gulf South Conference Championship team in 1980. During his career he was selected all-GSC and was twice named to the small college All American Team. After college, Emanuel tried out for the Denver Broncos of the NFL and was signed as a free agent.