Bell says he’ll be a Vol

There still are plenty of hurdles to clear before the 6-foot-3, 185-pound receiver from Mainland High School in Daytona, Fla., signs with UT. Bell hasn’t even visited Knoxville. That’s enough to make any recruiter nervous.

Many believe he could be one of the top 10 prospects in talent-rich Florida.

"No question," Mainland head coach John Moranto said. "I think he was that — probably — as a junior. Everyone in the country’s been after him."

More specifically, the Vols’ chief competition was West Virginia. Bell also considered Georgia, Florida, Clemson and LSU.

"I followed them for a long time growing up," said Bell, who’s researched UT via the Internet and television. "Ever since I got that offer in September, I followed them even more and looked into the program — academics and everything."

Bell caught 42 passes for 878 yards last season in Mainland’s West Coast offense. However, the best indicator of his talent could be the fact that he’s been a starter since he was a freshman at Mainland, which plays in Florida’s highest high school classification.

"As a football player, he’s a young man who really works at refining his skills," Moranto said. "I feel like he’s very well schooled."

Much of that schooling comes from former Florida State receiver Terry Anthony, who played for the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1990 to 1992.

"He’s very diversified as a receiver," Moranto said. "He’s a guy that can jump and he’s really rangy. He’s a guy that’s got great explosion."

Bell won’t be the first athlete from Mainland to sign a scholarship. The East Florida school has a tradition of sending athletes off to successful professional careers. The most recognizable example, Vince Carter, plays for the NBA’s Toronto Raptors.

Bell has considered the possibility he might play professionally. That point was reinforced last weekend when former UT receiver Robert Meachem was selected in the first round of the NFL draft by the New Orleans Saints.

"I know if I work hard," Bell said, "I can be in the same position he (Meachem) is, going in the first round."

Now that Bell has committed to UT, future plans can be put on hold. That’s a relief to Moranto, who needs a focused player this fall.

"I think getting the decision made early is a smart thing," he said. "The way they recruit you now is brutal."

The Vols, led by coach Matt Luke, will try to maintain their strong position with Bell during the coming months. Moranto’s relationship with UT offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe will only help.

"I’ve known him for a number of years," Moranto said. "Of course, he’s been a highly respected guy in the profession and a guy you can trust."

Moranto said UT’s coaching stability was a factor in Bell’s decision. So was UT’s history of using multiple-receiver sets.

"I can play a big role," Bell said when asked of early playing time.

Bell doesn’t limit himself to football at Mainland. He averages more than 11 points for the basketball team and has run the 100-meter dash in 11.2 seconds for the track team. He also competes in the long jump, triple jump and 4x100 relay.

Fans will fret as message board rumors abound about the level of Bell’s commitment as National Signing Day in February draws near. The next hurdle will come when Bell evaluates UT’s campus this summer.

"I think that’s crucial," Moranto said. "I was a little surprised (he committed early). But I know he’s a serious thinker."

Serious and passionate. Bell, who is UT’s seventh commitment of the 2008 class, said he’s been a fan of the Vols since seventh grade. His introduction to UT’s campus seems to only be a formality.

"When I come (to Knoxville)," Bell said, "I know it’s going to be excellent."