A three-year letterwinner at quarterback for the Golden Rams from 1975-78, Atkinson received the Maxwell Club Award in 1978 while being recognized as an ECAC player of the week during his four-year college career. 

The Millville, N.J. native finished ranked among the all-time leaders in most of the school's passing records upon graduation. Atkinson led the team in passing in 1977, playing for head coach John Furlow. He graduated from West Chester University in 1979 with a degree in Health & Physical Education. He later earned his master's degree from Temple University.