Freeman played baseball, basketball and football at Fort Payne High School, where coach Vernon Wells called him the best football player he had ever coached. At the University of Alabama, under coach Paul Bryant, Freeman moved from fullback to offense where his talents flourished, winning him selections as All-SEC and All-American. He was chosen for two Orange Bowl teams, and one Sugar Bowl team and was a member of the 1964 National Championship Team. In 1992 Freeman was selected by Crimson Tide fans to the school’s team of the century.
