Ryan Bass, the 5-foot-10, 185-pound, four-star running back from Centennial High School in Corona, Calif., has 15 scholarship offers, but says that two stand out: Arizona State and Minnesota.
The Sun Devils lead slightly over the Gophers, but both lead big over San Diego State and Michigan State. All of his favorites have offered as well as Iowa State, Louisville, Washington, Washington State, Oregon State, Colorado State, Mississippi and others.
"I really like coach Dennis Erickson from Arizona State," Bass said. "I think he'll turn the program around because he has a pretty good track record and is a great coach. They should have a pretty good year, plus Arizona State has always been one of my favorite schools."
Bass, ranked No. 41 in the West by Scout.com, didn't go to any camps this summer because he was nursing an injured hamstring, which he now says is "100 percent fine."
Although he has no timetable for a decision, he has already scheduled an official visit to Minnesota on September 29, for the Ohio State game. "I like how Minnesota always seems to produce a great running back every year," he said. "They are in a good conference and play against great competition. I just need to go there and see what it's like.
"I want to make sure I fit in with the team and if I could see myself living there," Bass said. "I also want to get a chance to play as a freshman, so I'll be checking out depth charts too."
Bass's brother, Ray Bass, plays defensive end for San Diego State. "He says not to commit to soon," Bass said. "He thinks I should just wait it out. Obviously, he'd like me to go to San Diego State, but he wants me to consider all my options."
He finished his junior season with 2351 yards rushing and 36 touchdowns. Bass benches 345 pounds, squats 445 and has a 36-inch vertical jump. "I have great vision and power," he said. "I'm not that big, but have a lot of strength."
Bass reports a 2.6 core GPA and says he's taking the SAT for the first time in October.