Rich Bell is headed to the MAC

Salisbury (Conn.) Salisbury School defensive tackle Rich Bell made a decision recently. The 6-foot-2, 277-pounder has decided to take his game to the MAC and play for Frank Solich and Ohio.

"I know Rich is really happy and he liked the school and thinks it's a great opportunity he can't pass up," his father, Dick Bell said. "The MAC is a good league that's won a lot of out of conference games. I know he's excited to be heading to the Buckeye State."

Bell actually committed a few days ago, what made him decide on the Bobcats?

"I know he likes coach Solich and the fact that Ohio is a good school," he stated. "They've got a beautiful campus and they've got a program that is going in the right direction. They had a great year last season and coach Solich had a great record at Nebraska.

"I also know that Rich thinks there's a chance he can play early. I do know he felt just a little more comfortable there and liked them the best."

One other important factor played into the Bobcats landing the two-star lineman.

"He actually wasn't going to commit, but coach Solich said that he'd give him his blessing if a major BCS school came in," he said. "We're going to send out senior tape and there are still are some schools recruiting him like Boston College, Louisville, Missouri, Virginia and Boise State. If those schools offer, it wouldn't change his mind, but we'd go check it out and possibly revisit his decision."

Of course, Frank Solich was big in helping Ohio land the lineman prospect.

"He is a very classy man," he said. "The program starts with coach Solich and the staff under him is very good. They are hardworking Midwestern guys that have turned that program around. It wasn't hard for Rich to see that."