Ezell played four years for Coach Dobie Holden, three of those years at Pascagoula High School and one year at PRCC in 1949. As one of Drago's teammates at PRCC, it was a year to remember for Ezell. They finished the season with a 10-1 record, and provide Holden with his first of seven state championships and defeat Lamar in the Memorial Bowl.

"Coach Holden was an unusual guy," said Ezell. "He was a very strict disciplinarian. He made an impact on the lives of many young men. I had the good fortune to play with him for three years at Pascagoula and one season at Pearl River. I guess I am one of the veterans as far as playing for Coach Holden."

Ezell, a 150-pound fullback during his playing days, made first team All-State in 1949, after signing and playing at Ole Miss in 1948.