Ernest "Ernie" Davis: The Elmira Express

Everyone is at least familiar with the name Jim Brown. Most folks are familiar with the name Floyd Little. Not many are too familiar with the name Ernest Davis, or Ernie, as he was known among his friends. Davis was born in New Salem, Pennsylvania, Dec. 14, 1939. He spent his early years in the Pittsburgh Coalfield after moving to industrial Uniontown, Pa. His parents separated just before his father died in an accident, and he was raised by his grandparents until he reached 12 years of age, when he moved with his mother and new stepfather to Elmira, NY. Davis played in Elmira's Small Fry Football League for the Superior Buicks and was named a Small Fry All-Star in 1952 and 1953. He was also an All-Star basketball player in grade school. Throughout his high school career at Elmira Free Academy, Davis' talent on the football field began to shine. He was named the Elmira Player of the Year and a high school All-American in both his junior and senior years. He also did well ... (link)