Junior Bell finds new home, first offer

Things definitely weren't going the way that cornerback Derrius Bell had planned. When his Wilmer Hutchins school closed after his sophomore year, the 5-foot-11, 170-pound speedster was left looking for a new school and team.

Luckily things worked out extremely well for Bell. The talented junior ended up at Arlington (Texas) Grace Prep and his season ended on a big note winning the state championship with his new team in the first year. If that wasn't enough, Bell earned all-state honors for both the wide receiver and cornerback position. Heavy recruiting shortly followed.

"I really liked the coaches when I first go there and they told me how everything was going to go at my new school," Bell said. "I came over with a positive attitude and brought what I could to the team."

"Just a little while ago, Baylor offered me my first scholarship. UTEP, Oklahoma, and Ohio State are sending tons of mail right now. My dad and mom have told me to just take my time, so I'm just weighing the options right now."

Like many in-state prospects, Bell has an early leader that many Lone Star products grow up watching.

"Yeah, I really like Texas," Bell said. "It's just the tradition they have and my whole life I watched them on television. I really do like them a lot."

One interesting note is that football talent runs in the family. UTEP has been all over Bell because his brother Dustin Bell is a freshman for the Miners.

"That's why they're big in my book already," Bell said about the West Texas school. "He put in a good word for me and that puts them in a big position already."

During his junior season, Bell racked up three interceptions and 29 tackles on defense. On offense, he put together 914 yards with 12 touchdowns. His sophomore season was just as big with six interceptions and 43 tackles.

Bell likes defense the best.

"I want to go to college and play corner," Bell said. "With receiver, I don't get to shut people down. I'm not cocky, but when we get on the field it's all about business."