Dennis was a 1979 graduate of Sheffield High School and was an outstanding member of the Bulldogs football and track squad. Dennis was the Most Valuable Player and team captain of the "79 team. Following high school he was signed to a football scholarship by the Auburn Tigers where he was chosen team captain by his teammates in 1982. He was drafted by the USFL Birmingham Stallions and was an assistant coach in 1983 at Auburn when they won the SEC Championship and went on to become Sugar Bowl Champs.