Written by: Kris Shankle (@Hoosierkris)

For those that have been living under a rock in the state of Indiana, Warren Central’s David Bell has become a two-sport star and even that could be putting it lightly. Though he hasn’t decided yet whether or not he will play basketball and football in college, the option is his. The talent that Bell displays on the court and on the field has made college coaches stay up late wondering about the impact Bell could make on their program.

Bell didn’t always see himself as a player that could end up playing college ball, but his first dunk was in the 7th grade. Shortly after, during his freshman year at Warren Central, he became a starter on varsity for the football team. Those two things coupled with others led him to believe that he had a shot to play at the next level. I mean starting varsity as a freshman in Indianapolis alone is a big deal. Add that in with that Indianapolis school being Warren Central who is considered a power house is even more impressive.

One of Bell’s biggest accomplishments this past year was going 32-0. He is seen by many as mainly a football prospect, but he could easily play basketball for whichever school he chooses. In fact, just under a month ago Bell was leading his Warren Central basketball team to a state title along with an undefeated record. His buzzer beater against New Albany, which is the home of one of the nation’s top basketball prospects Romeo Langford is what led them to the title game. Next year as a senior, Bell hopes to bring another state title to Warren Central on the court as well as becoming a member of the Indiana All Star team which selects the best players around the state. Bell has had basketball as an option for awhile now, as even former IU head coach Tom Crean told Bell that he would be welcome to play for the Hoosiers.

On the football field, Bell has enjoyed an immense amount of success at Warren Central. His junior year was a huge hit. He caught fifty-two passes last year that totaled one thousand seventy-five yards along with eleven touchdowns. Part of what makes those numbers special is his ability to make plays after he has the ball. He averaged over twenty yards per catch on the year and in high school that isn’t a small feat. Bell has quick feet that help him separate himself from other receivers in his class.

Anytime Warren Central pops up on opposing schedules, it’s likely defenders have nightmares thinking of ways to stop Bell. His feet aren’t the only thing that helps him out. He has strong hands and his size helps him really pinpoint the ball. His tracking skills are impressive as well if you’ve ever seen his highlights. His career is far from over though and Bell has some big goals heading into his senior season. He would like to win the prestigious Mr. Football award for the state of Indiana. One of the other goals he has is improving on Warren Central’s record from this past year, which was 7-4 and taking the next step and winning the state title. If he was to bring a state title in football and basketball to Warren Central, that would be huge. That is the goal though and I wouldn’t bet against him.

The 6’2 wide receiver will definitely be playing football in college. He is ranked as one of the best prospects in the country. 247 sports has him as the 64th best prospect. He is also ranked as the 11th best wide receiver in the country and the state of Indiana’s top ranked player. He has offers from all over the country. A lot of them come in the Midwest, but he has racked up 17 total offers as of now. Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Purdue, Penn State, Iowa, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Missouri among other power five schools are all positioning themselves to land Bell. At the moment though, Purdue, IU, Notre Dame, Penn State, Iowa, Ohio State and Michigan State are the schools that Bell has said are spending the most attention on him.

IU has recruited Bell for a long time and that has made a lasting impression on Bell. Tom Allen hasn’t been the coach at IU very long, but before he was head coach he was the defensive coordinator, so he is very familiar with Bell. Getting the top players in Indiana has become a huge goal for Allen and the Hoosier staff. If the Hoosiers were able to land David Bell, it would send a message across the state and even the country. He would be the highest ranked recruit that IU has landed in a very long time, possibly ever.

The Hoosiers have definitely had some great players along the way, but Bell would be in a class of his own coming into the program. Bell really likes IU and the coaching staff has already made a big impression on him, but it is still fairly early and at this point even Bell himself has no clue on where his next destination will be or even when he will decide. This is going to be a recruitment that IU fans will keep a close eye on, but if he does decide to come to Bloomington, it will be a statement to those around the state. Landing Bell for the football program would be just as important as if Archie Miller can land Romeo Langford for the basketball program. Either way it’s a fun time to be a Hoosier.

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The Huddle

Meet WR David Bell of Warren Central, One of Indiana's Best Prospects

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