U. City’s Bass picked by Raiders

The story comes from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

With the final round of the 2013 NFL draft wrapping up Saturday afternoon, David Bass’ hopes started to fade just a bit.

But just as the University City High and Missouri Western State defensive end began to ponder his options as an undrafted free agent, Bass got the call he was waiting for.

He was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the seventh round with pick No. 233.

“I’ve heard that in some ways it can be better to not get drafted late because you get a chance to look at the teams’ rosters and basically pick your spot (as a free agent),’’ Bass said. “But getting that call and getting drafted really means a lot to me. I’ve dreamed of this day since I started playing football and now that dream has come true.

“This is a blessing that I hope to make the most of.’’

Bass, who stands 6 feet 4 and weighs 262 pounds, was a three-sport star in high school. He wanted to play football in college, but the Division I interest simply was not there.

“I think we won four games total through my junior and senior seasons, so it’s not like we were being seen by many people,’’ he recalled. “We just weren’t very good.’’

But the coaches at Missouri Western saw enough to offer Bass a scholarship. And he accepted.

Read the rest of the story at the Post-Dispatch.