David Bourland earned eight letters at Abilene High, three in football, two in basketball and three in baseball, winning three state championships. He was a two-way player for the 1954 and 1955 state championship teams at AHS in football at quarterback and safety. He was the starting quarterback and captain for the 1955 state champs. He was also captain and second baseman for the state runner-up team in baseball in 1955 and the state championship team in 1956. He received a dual scholarship in football and baseball at Texas Tech. He was injured during his football career but continued with his baseball career at Texas Tech.