'09 OH DB Isaiah Bell (Michigan Signee)

[wadc45]

Rivals Profile
Scout Profile
Scouting Ohio Film and Bio

Youngstown (OH) Liberty

Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 200 lbs

BN $

3/27

By BK...WVU and Michigan have offered after he visited for spring practices. Also has offers from Bowling Green, Miami (OH) and Cincinnati. Is considering a visit to OSU with teammate Fitzgerald Toussaint.

[HotMic]

Scout $

3/31

From the Michigan site. Committed to Michigan. He says they recruited him as a safety.

[MattC87]

Big enough to play in the box, but looks decent in deep coverage. Might have to shed a few pounds to play FS. Tackles pretty well though, and looks like he's gliding out there. His running style reminds me of Ted Ginn's.

[wadc45]

Rivals $

4/3

From TheWolverine...an apposing coach talks about what makes Bell such a special talent and compares his game to that of Steelers safety Anthony Smith.

[wadc45]

ESPN - Budmayr proves worth in Columbus - Insider

Isaiah Bell (6-2, 200), Safety (Youngstown, Ohio/Liberty)

Under Armour All-American safety Bell could have passed for a weakside linebacker and actually looked bigger than his listed measurables. When you look at his rangy, long-limbed frame, particularly the length of his arms, it's not out of the realm of possibilities that this kid has another inch or two of growth left. He looked far from frail though and was defined with good muscle tone and lean bulk. We joked with the recruited safety that linebacker could be in his future at Michigan, and he smiled like he had heard that comment before. It's hard not to see a potential 6-foot-3, 225-pound frame in two or three years, and he did look better at times playing the ball in front of him Friday as opposed to backpedalling.

[GoRU]

ESPN - Ohio native Bell makes gutsy choice for Michigan - Insider

If you're looking for an intimidating player in the defensive backfield, a guy who plays as tough as he looks, you don't have to go any further than Youngstown, Ohio. The man is Isaiah Bell, an impressive safety with all the tools to be a major college standout.

As a junior, Bell recorded 49 total tackles and four interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns. He was also a standout wide receiver on offense and -- believe it or not -- returned punts and kickoffs. College coaches were quick to notice his talents and offers streamed in to the gifted athlete. Football wasn't the only sport in which he stood out. Isaiah averaged 18 points per game and eight rebounds for his high school basketball team.

Bell didn't wait long and jumped at the University of Michigan, a gutsy pick for a kid from Ohio. When asked why, he said "I really felt comfortable there and I have a chance to play early. I am impressed with Coach [Rich] Rodriguez and secondary coach Tony Gibson."

Bell wants to major in business or pre-law and is striving hard to get his GPA over 3.0.

"My mom has always stressed academics and I don't want to let her down," he explained.

Even though he has accomplished a lot of things already, he is not satisfied.

"I need to keep working on getting stronger and I plan on spending the summer in the weight room. I also run a 4.5 40 but I know I need to get faster," he said.

He prides himself on being physical on the field and names Sean Taylor as his football hero.

Family is important to Bell and when asked about his favorite food he was quick to respond, "No doubt about it, my favorite food is my grandma's dirt dessert. I don't know everything that's in it but I know Oreos and whipped cream are part of the recipe."

Bell is truly excited to have been selected to play in the Under Armour All-America Game in Orlando.

"I can't wait to play in another football game and be seen on national television. My head coach Jeff Whittaker said it was the best all-star game to play in and I'm glad he'll be there to see me play," he said.



Bell's Scouts Inc. Evaluation

I don't know if the "I" in Isaiah stands for interception or the "B" in Bell means big playmaker, but one thing for certain, this guy is a good football player. He shows outstanding ball skills and at 6-2, 200 pounds, he is a big safety.
He rules the secondary as a free safety. Has great instincts and plays outstanding zone coverage especially in the 3 deep. Should be a solid halves player also in two deep zone. A real competitor who can break a game wide open. Breaks quickly on the pass with a burst to the football. High points the football and has great timing on the interception. Makes things happen after the interception; not unusual for him to bring the pick back for a touchdown.

A magnificent kickoff return specialist; has good speed and can read his blocks. Has a second gear and can kick it in to blow by would-be tacklers. Has the courage to field the ball in traffic and bring it right back at the coverage team. A good open-field tackler who needs some work in terms of tackling fundamentals; would like to see him use his size when making the tackle on run support by being more physical. Very athletic football player who has good foot agility and shows flexibility in the hips. Can change direction without loss of speed or balance.

Bell will be a big-time player at a big-time college. Just a little fundamental work is needed.

[wadc45]

ESPN - Don't sleep on these guys - Football Recruiting

Though he may not be from the largest school in Ohio, safety Isaiah Bell (Youngstown, Ohio/Liberty) stands out in a traditionally strong football area of the state. Impressive now, but the No. 91-ranked player has a ton of upside projected to the next level, both physically and athletically.

Not only does he excel on defense with his great burst and ball skills, but this long and lean athlete displays abilities as a returner on special teams. His biggest recruiting dilemma, and perhaps the major root of his national obscurity, may be trying to figure out what position to play him. He rules the secondary as a free safety but is built more like an outside linebacker. His continued physical development should dictate eventual position and success. His great instincts and competitive nature will make him a valuable football player at the college level, regardless of position. Bell is the definition of a late bloomer.

[wadc45]

ESPN - Top-flight '09 safeties a versatile bunch - Football Recruiting

The Big Ten Conference picked up verbals from the final two safeties ranked in the top 10. It's only fitting they will go to rival schools -- Michigan and Ohio State. Isaiah Bell (Youngstown, Ohio/Liberty) will venture from Youngstown to play for the Wolverines, and Jamie Wood (Pickerington, Ohio/Central) will stay in central Ohio to play for the Buckeyes.

At 209 pounds, Bell is a huge safety, but he moves like a much lighter athlete. He is a very fluid defensive player who is especially impressive in zone coverage. Wood, meanwhile, is an intensely competitive back who is best-suited for the strong safety position. He displays great timing on special teams when coming off the edge to block punts and field goals.

[wadc45]

Photo by Robert Yosay
Liberty #4 Isaiah Bell takes off for a decent gain in first half action at Brookfield - chasing him is Brookfield Taylor Broooks - blocking Taylor is #58 Anthony Gutierrez

[wadc45]

Rivals $

10/30

Film.

[panther10]

http://michigan.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=875186
Bell is taking his first official this weekend.....he is bringing his mother and fellow UM commit Fitzgerald Toussaint......tallied 40 tackles, four interceptions, two pass break ups, and a forced fumble....probably will stay at DB

[wadc45]

ESPN - Versatile Loston leads 2009 safeties - Football Recruiting

Best coverage skills

What Scouts Inc. looks for: Today's safeties have to be able to play multiple coverages. They must be efficient at covering the middle third in the three-deep, half the field in two cover, and they must display great range in man defense. They must be able to break quickly on the pass and cover the necessary ground in time to break up the reception or make an interception. Safeties should be smooth in transition and close the cushion instantly on underneath routes. Soft hands, leaping ability and timing are all important traits for an outstanding cover safety. They also need to be sound in man-to-man coverage against slot receivers when necessary.

3. Isaiah Bell (Youngstown, Ohio/Liberty)

It's astonishing how this big of a man -- Bell stands at 6-foot-1-inch and 210 pounds -- can play three-deep coverage as a free safety. Bell rules the secondary and is very flexible and agile for his size. Besides quickness out of his break, he displays catch-up speed in running down receivers in the open field. Although he probably will end up at strong safety or outside linebacker because of his physical dimensions, he should be an excellent hook and curl defender.

[MattC87]

ESPN lovvvvvvvvvvvvves them some Isaiah Bell. Rivals and Scout aren't as high. What does everyone think of Bell?

[panther10]

Bell, his mother, and Fitzgerald Toussaint will not be visiting Michigan today.......

[MattC87]

Originally Posted by panther10

Bell, his mother, and Fitzgerald Toussaint will not be visiting Michigan today.......

Why not?