He accepted a football scholarship from the University of Texas. He began his college career as a backup linebacker, playing mainly on special teams. As a sophomore, he led the team in special teams tackles, including 2 blocked kicks and one punt return for 19 yards. He had another blocked kick as a junior.
As a senior, he became a starter at outside linebacker, finishing with 98 tackles (third on the team), 10 sacks (second on the team), 7 passes defensed and one interception.
After the NFLPA strike was declared on the third week of the 1987 season, those contests were canceled (reducing the 16 game season to 15) and the NFL decided that the games would be played with replacement players. He crossed the picket line off the injured reserve to be a part of the Dallas replacement team that was given the mock name "Rhinestone Cowboys" by the media.[3] He started 3 games at outside linebacker. He had 2 sacks against the New York Jets.[4] On October 27, he was placed on the injured reserve list.[5] He was cut on November 3.[6]