Career
Born in Waukesha, Wisconsin, DeShane was the starting quarterback for the University of Alabama in 1939 and 1940 and was named to the All-Southeastern Conference team his senior season. He coached football from 1942 to 1944 at his alma mater, Creston High School (Grand Rapids, Michigan), before signing with the Lions. From 1945 to 1946, Deshane played quarterback and linebacker for the Lions.
He played guard from 1947 to 1949.