Originally, from Jefferson City, Missouri, Coach CJ attended Jefferson City High, where he lettered 4 years Varsity in both Football & Track & Field. He was an All-District, All-Sectional & All-State runner in high school. CJ attended Missouri Valley College, in Marshall Missouri on a Football Scholarship. As a freshman student, in his first semester, he found out he was going to be a father; he would not return to Missouri Valley College. Struggling to find direction, Le’Clarence was given an opportunity to attend Westminster College in Fulton Missouri. He participated in football as well as track and field while earning his undergraduate degree in Sports Management. CJ broke multiple records in track & field and became a 2-time SLIAC Conference Champion, as well as the All-Time season kick return yardage holder in football.