Purdue has signed few more touted prospects in recent years than David Bell, who will bring a fat scrapbook to West Lafayette when he arrives and is expected to start from Day One.
The product of Warren Central High in Indianapolis, Bell was named 2018 Gatorade Indiana Player of the Year, and was runner-up for IndyStar Mr. Football. He led Warren Central to a 14-0 record and the Class 6A 2018 state championship while being the No. 1 ranked player in Indiana and No. 70 nationally. Bell finished 2018 with 85 receptions for 1,542 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Bell, along with fellow Purdue incoming freshmen George Karlaftis and Kyle Bilodeau, played in the All-American Bowl in San Antonio, where Bell announced on national TV his commitment to Purdue. Bell finished his decorated prep career with 4,467 receiving yards and 57 touchdowns, also leading Warren Central to the 2017-18 Class 4A state basketball title with a 32-0 mark.
GoldandBlack.com caught up with Bell for an Entrance Interview.
GoldandBlack.com: What made you choose Purdue?
Bell: I just knew they had something special coming up. And this last season, they showed that. The coaches say I have an opportunity to play as a freshman, too.
GoldandBlack.com: Did the staff tell you that you would start?
Bell: No. Nothing is given. I have to go in and work for it. And that’s what I plan on doing.
GoldandBlack.com: How often do you talk to Rondale Moore?
Bell: We talk frequently. Maybe once a week. It’s not usually about football. It’s just catching up with each other, seeing how we are doing. Stuff like that. When we do talk about football, it’s mostly about the playbook.
GoldandBlack.com: How do you think you'll work with Moore?
Bell: I just want to see how I can get him some more catches, and also get me some catches and touchdowns, too.
GoldandBlack.com: How would you describe your style?
Bell: I think I am a physical receiver that runs good routes. I like to block. Most receivers don’t like to do that. I take a lot of pride in blocking.
GoldandBlack.com: What is your height and weight?
Bell: 6-2, 204.
GoldandBlack.com: What is your 40 time?
Bell: I couldn’t tell you. I haven’t run a 40 since my sophomore year.
GoldandBlack.com: What are your goals?
Bell: Personally, I want to make first- or second-team All-Big Ten. And also lead Purdue to a Big Ten championship.
GoldandBlack.com: When will you get to campus?
Bell: June 9.
GoldandBlack.com: What do you want to improve?
Bell: Foot work. And also remembering the playbook. There is a lot of playbook. And just always going 100 percent. It’s not high school anymore, where you are just better than everybody. It’s college, where the talent is more even.
GoldandBlack.com: You are close to your grandmother. How important is it to you that see is able to see you play?
Bell: It’s real important. She has been going to my games since I started playing football. It really was the main reason why I chose Purdue, so she could be able to come see me play every Saturday. When Coach (Jeff) Brohm decided to stay, that sealed it.
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GoldandBlack.com: What other schools did you consider?
Bell: Tennessee came in late. They had offered me earlier in the summer, but they went cold and stopped talking to me. Then about midway through my senior season, they started to talk to me and my quarterback. But I told them I was committed to Purdue. IU was third.
GoldandBlack.com: How did basketball make you better in football?
Bell: Just overcoming adversity. Last year, we had a lot of close games. It helped me become a better leader. I wasn’t a vocal leader on the football field before that. But my junior year in basketball, that helped me for my senior year in football to talk to the team more and become not just a leader by example but I can speak on it, too.
GoldandBlack.com: Were you disappointed you didn't win Mr. Football?
Bell: It was a personal goal, but I really didn’t care. My ultimate goal was to win a state championship and I accomplished that.
GoldandBlack.com: What number will you wear at Purdue?
Bell: I think I might be wearing No. 3 or No. 6.
GoldandBlack.com: You are part of a touted group of freshman receivers that also includes Milton Wright, TJ Sheffield and Mershawn Rice. Do you all stay in touch?
Bell: We are all in a group chat. But personally outside of the group chat, we don’t talk much. I plan on getting in contact with them to build a relationship with them.
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