Bruins honor former greats before Memphis game

UCLA honored Sam Storey, Kenny Washington and Woody Strode before the Bruins’ game against Memphis Saturday.

Washington and Strode played for the Bruins from 1937 to ’39. They will be part of the documentary “The Forgotten Four” about the four players who broke the color barrier in professional football in 1946. Marion Motley and Bill Willis were the other two.

The documentary will be previewed at UCLA’s Royce Hall on Sept. 9.

Washington led the Bruins in rushing and passing all three seasons. He was the first African American to sign with an NFL team when he joined the Los Angeles Rams in 1946.

Strode led the Bruins in receiving in 1937 and 1939. He also signed with the Rams in 1946. He later became an actor and received a best supporting actor nomination for his role in “Spartacus.”

In 1939, UCLA’s backfield had Washington, Strode and Jackie Robinson, who broke baseball’s color barrier in 1947.

Storey was a lineman for UCLA in 1933 and 1934. He was the first African American to play for the Bruins and was a formidable defensive lineman.

Family members for Storey, Washington and Strode served as honorary captains for the game.

Let ‘er Rip

UCLA’s one connection to Memphis is Associate Athletic Director Rip Sherer, who oversees the Bruins’ football program. Sherer was the Memphis football coach from 1995 through 2000.

The Tigers were 20-37 under Sherer, but that included a 21-17 victory over Peyton Manning’s Tennessee team in 1996.

It’s not like the Tigers have done much better since he left. Before Saturday’s game, Memphis had a 52-83 record since 2000.

Brendel back

Center Jake Brendel, who missed the Bruins’ opener at Virginia, returned to the lineup against Memphis. Scott Quessenberry moved from center to guard, replacing freshman Najee Toran.

Brendel had started 27 consecutive games before missing the Virginia game.

“Jake is a crucial part of our offense,” quarterback Brett Hundley said. “I hadn’t taken a snap from another center since high school until last week.”

Up the charts

Hundley entered Saturday’s game with 20 victories at UCLA, tying him with Troy Aikman for fifth all-time among Bruins’ quarterbacks. Gary Beban, who has 23, is fourth. Cade McNown tops the list with 30.

chris.foster@latimes.com

Twitter: @cfosterlatimes