Undeterred by Injury 'Adversity', Oklahoma's Andy Bass Determined to Make Impact in 2024

Andy Bass’ Heritage Hall finale looked to be following a Hollywood script.

The Oklahoma commit helped his team build a three touchdown lead over Lincoln Christian in the 3A State Championship, Bass’ last game before headed off to Norman.

But a stroke of misfortune took Bass out of the game, as he sustained an ACL injury.

Through the adversity, OU head coach Brent Venables, co-offensive coordinator Seth Littrell and running backs coach DeMarco Murray stuck with Bass, supporting him as he starts his rehabilitation process following this week’s surgery.

“Adversity is what builds people’s character and I think in the end it’ll just be another thing that is included with my success,” Bass told AllSooners.com in an exclusive interview ahead of National Signing Day. “… I’m definitely going to be busting my tail on that, making sure I can get back to 110 percent.

“… I’ve been told about nine months is the timeline on my ACL. So that would be… about September is when I’ll be back. So hopefully we’ll be able to be a part of next year’s Team 130.”

Bass won’t be able to work with Oklahoma’s training staff until he enrolls this summer, but he’s in good hands working with local doctors until he is officially a Sooner.

Until then, he’s working to return to his form that allowed him to do essentially whatever he wanted on the football field before the injury.

Per MaxPreps, Bass threw for 2,833 yards and 28 touchdowns with just two interceptions, while rushing for an additional 970 yards and 17 scores for Heritage Hall last year.

His versatility gives Littrell and co-offensive coordinator Joe Jon Finley plenty of ways to get him into the open field, a prospect that excites Bass.

“I would say (OU is) getting somebody that can kind of do it all,” Bass said. “I think they know that too. I’ve definitely worked a lot last offseason on my passing. I would say that was something that was overlooked in my recruiting, especially early on.

“So you know, I really just hope that everyone realizes I can kind of do a little bit of everything and that my skillset can be used anywhere on the field.”

To start, however, Bass will work with Murray and Oklahoma’s running backs.

Throughout the recruitment process, Bass has been able to build a strong bond with Murray, and after watching the Sooners practice, he can’t wait to join Murray’s unit.

“He’s a great recruiter,” Bass said. “He’s kind of made me super familiar with everything the way that they do things around OU.

“So just being around him at practice the other day, I know he pushes every single guy in his room to be the best player that they can possibly be. So I mean, I couldn’t really ask for anything else.”

Since former offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby took over as Mississippi State’s head coach, Bass has been able to get to know Littrell and get up to speed with his new offensive coordinator.

“He’s a great person as well,” Bass said. “He was at my state championship game supporting me, so super appreciative of hime and I can’t wait to build our relationship these next few years.

“… I was at practice earlier last week and we were talking. I don’t think anything falls off offensively for the Sooners at all. If anything it’s gonna go up. Coach Littrell and Coach Joe Jon Finley, they have some great offensive minds so I’m super excited to play for them.”

The family atmosphere built by the coaching staff is a constant theme for not just Bass, but other recruits as one of the appeals of playing at Oklahoma. After meeting with Venables, Bass said it’s easy to see why the coaching staff connects with players on a deep, personal level.

“(Venables is a) great person outside of just coaching,” Bass said. “I’ve said that about the other coaches too, but that’s really what makes OU’s staff so special is that off the field, they are just great people and they’re always super willing to talk and just get to know you better.”

The hard work of injury rehabilitation has begun for Bass, but he’s just happy to be beyond Signing Day so he can finally begin his Oklahoma career this summer.

“Feels great,” he said. “Never had any second thoughts since when I first committed back before the season started.

“It’s definitely really nice to have that our of the way and focus on the season.”

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