Wayne State RB Joique bell
February 25, 2010
Wayne State RB Joique bell
WAYNE STATE - For the last four years, Detroit has been home to one of the most electrifying backs in college football - 6'0'', 223-lb. running back Joique Bell, of Wayne State. Bell cemented his standing as the best running back in WSU history - and one of the best small-college backs ever -- this past season.
He finished with 6,728 career rushing yards (sixth in Division II and eighth in NCAA history), and his 152.91 rushing yards per game ranks 11th in Division II and 25th in NCAA history. He also scored the fifth-most points in NCCA history (576) and racked up the ninth-most all-purpose yards (8,055). To top it off, last month the young man was awarded the Harlon Hill Trophy, which is basically the NCAA Division II version of the Heisman Trophy.
In fact, the only real problem for Bell seems to be the fact that, because he played in the heart of the city at a small school in the small Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference ( GLIAC ), most fans in this football-crazed area never got to see him play. But now, that may all be about to change.
A couple of weeks ago, Bell was invited to the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. For those who don't know, the NFL Combine is a pre-draft showcase for the best college talent in the nation. Small-school players usually make for long shots at pro football success, and nobody can guarantee that Joique Bell will make the leap to the next level. But don't bet against him.
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Overview
Bell has rushed for 2,000-plus yards in each of the past two seasons. That's impressive at any level of football. For his 2,084-yard, 29-touchdown effort in 2009, he won the Harlon Hill Award Trophy as the best player in Division II.
Bell exploded onto the scene with 2,065 yards in his redshirt freshman year, earning the AFCA All-American status he also received in 2009. In between those historic bookend seasons, he managed mortal-like numbers (1,427 yards in 2007 and 1,152 in 2008), giving him 6,728 rushing yards and 89 touchdowns for his career in addition to 79 receptions for 918 yards and eight more scores. His total all-purpose yardage (8,055, which includes 409 return yards) and scoring total put him ninth and fifth in NCAA history in any division.
The four-time first-team All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference selection dominated at a lower level of competition and has some ball security issues. But scouts see a lot of good things in his game that any successful NFL back needs: strength, balance, effort and enough speed to hit holes quickly. Don't be surprised if his name is called relatively early on draft Saturday.
Analysis
Inside: Well-developed upper and lower bodies give him strength to get tough yards inside. Sidesteps penetrating defenders, able to find a hole and accelerate to it. Presses the line but has the good vision to bounce a play outside when the B-gap closes. Will push the pile near the goal line and keep fighting for yards after contact.
Outside: Patient runner who could succeed in a zone scheme. Very good balance and will spin off a tackle or put his hand down to keep himself upright. Runs with the ball in either hand, although he can get a bit loose with it in the open field (four fumbles in '09). Has the speed to get to the corner against Division II defenses but will have a harder time doing so against NFL competition. Lacks breakaway speed or a second gear once in the open, but smaller defenders have a tough time tracking him down without the perfect angle.
Breaking tackles: Strong runner in trash who keeps legs churning until he's on the ground. Runs with a lean that prevents straight-on collisions and makes smaller defenders bounce off him. Tough for defensive backs to bring down in the open field and can leap over cut tackles. Can jump high over the pile near the goal line or dive into the end zone from a few yards out.
Blocking: Will need to prove himself in pass protection, as he has limited experience and hasn't faced NFL-caliber defenders coming after quarterback. Effort is there, however, and he has the low center of gravity and strength to stand his ground.
Receiving: Usually catches the ball with his hands, although the pace on those passes isn't NFL-caliber. Typically used on screens and throws into the flat, but is willing to run crossing patterns and make catches in traffic. Good vision and toughness after the catch, but faster, stronger NFL defenders will be more difficult to avoid in the open field.