Ernie DeCourley played tackle for the football team at Morehead State from 1961-62. DeCourley ranked among the top Ohio Valley Conference’s linemen during his two-year MSU career.

DeCourley transferred from Northwest Mississippi Junior college following his 1960 season. Listed at 6-foot-5, DeCourley was the tallest lineman on the team. He played both offensive and defensive tackle and was named All-OVC both seasons. He helped the Eagles to an OVC co-championships in 1962 and named OVC Defensive Lineman of the Year

A native of Savannah, Tenn., DeCourley was selected in the seventh round of the 1963 National Football League Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. He later settled in Ironton, Ohio, and passed away on June 2, 2006. He is survived by his wife Vicki.