By Mike Moore
Staff Writer
Jackson — The first question sent his way wondered if he’d need a hot tub to recover from the punishment.
The next came centered on the work load, and whether he anticipated anything like it.
Bo Bell just smiled as he quickly, and calmly answered questions following a 40-carry performance in a state championship victory at Ford Field last month.
For many, getting their first took at Bell, and the way he shouldered the Lumen Christi offense was eye-opening.
For Bell and coach Herb Brogan, it was just another day at the office for the 2016 JTV Sports Player of the Year.
“He put us on his back this year and carried us,” Brogan said of his senior running back. “You look at the workload he put forth, and it’s pretty impressive.”
Bell finished the Division 6 final with 40 rushes for 238 yards (11th most in MHSAA finals history) and a score.
It wasn’t the first time he carried the ball that much in a game, either.
“He’s so elusive and cuts so well,” Brogan said. “That really allows him to avoid taking the big hits.”
Bell finished his senior season with more than 340 carries, 2,666 yards and 35 total touchdowns.
“Couldn’t have done any of this without the offensive line,” Bell said. “Our goal, as a group, was to get 2,000 yards rushing. We did that. Our goal was to win a state title. We did that too.”
Asked what allowed him to pile up the carries, and yards, he did, Bell kept it all pretty simple.
“I just always keep my legs moving,” he said. “At the same time, as a runner, I react. I don’t think about what I’m doing. It’s like coach always says, get the first down and then make something happen. My goal every run is to get the first down.”
Bell said he used the offseason to get ready for the year, bulking up by as much as 15 ponds from the same time a year ago.
And while the Titans have a rich history of productive backs, Brogan said Bell was unique.
“I’m not sure we’ve had anyone with his quickness in confined spaces,” Brogan said.
With his senior year behind him, and a state title in his back pocket, Bell’s focus has shifted to an ongoing recruiting process.
With Wayne State at the forefront, so far, Bell said he’s also spoken with a number of other smaller schools.
Mike Moore is a play-by-play commentator and Sports Writer for JTV Sports. You can reach him at mjm12@albion.edu. He’s also the author of ‘Love, Defined; A Dedication to the Love, Sacrifice, and Magic of Motherhood.’
Love, Defined is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Tate Publishing or by contacting Mike directly.
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