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My first memories of life were in Vallejo Cali, my older cousin Eva Dean's boyfriend was a running back for Vallejo HS. His running mate was Bass. Now who is Bass? Well once out of HS he went to UOP in Stockton and was one of the nations top RB, he would end up with the LA Rams and become the franchises first 1000 yard rusher, number 22. One of my prized possessions is his rookie card.
The Rams also had "Jaguar" Jon Arnett, a long jumper from USC. A fantastic runner for a white guy, and if not for Bass would be more well known. Yep, I have his rookie card also.
Paul "Tank" Younger the first player in the NFL out of Grambling. The Rams the first team to sign a black player, UCLA RB Kenny Washington.
And, they signed the NCAA 100 yard champ Bob Boyd, out of Loyola, he was the first really fast receiver, ran a 9.5 (WR 9.3)
Bass went on to star at College of the Pacific, now University of the Pacific. Time Magazine described him as a "One-Man Show" in 1958, after he ran for 700 yards in six games to become the season's leading NCAA ground gainer, while passing for the Tigers as well. He was a 1958 All-American.[5][6] As a senior in 1958, Bass led the nation in rushing with 1,361 yards, including a dazzling display in the season opener in Berkeley, where he gained 215 yards and scored one touchdown in the Tigers' win over a Cal team that would reach the 1959 Rose Bowl.[7] Bass was named to the The Pigskin Club of Washington, D.C. National Intercollegiate All-American Football Players Honor Roll.
