Penn State news by
Penn State's student blog

Topics

More

Linebacker Brandon Bell Embraces Veteran Role

Junior outside linebacker Brandon Bell understood the legacy behind No. 11 at Penn State long before he elected to adopt the iconic jersey prior to the 2015 season. Bell, who hails from Mays Landing, N.J., has done more than enough to back that decision up on the field this fall.

Without even taking his 34 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, and two forced fumbles through eight games into consideration, Bell simply looks the part of a Linebacker U standout. He oozes confidence, and loves to energize the crowd in between plays. Like LaVar Arrington and NaVorro Bowman before him, Bell has that “it” factor, and he’s translated that quality into jaw-dropping plays left and right.

The 6-foot-1, 231-pounder is the most experienced of Brent Pry’s starting linebackers. He played beyond his years as a true freshman in 2013, notching 24 tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception on his way to Big Ten Network All-Freshman Team honors. Bell steadily improved his consistency last season, his first in a leading role on Bob Shoop‘s defense, tallying 47 tackles while continuing to learn under the tutelage of Mike Hull and Nyeem Wartman-White.

11181882_10154202907125663_4959794824144661901_n

This season, Bell is on pace to shatter his career high in tackles, but this time around he’s the one helping his younger teammates, Jason Cabinda and Troy Reeder, take the next step. The duo actually sits ahead of Bell on the stat sheet, but healthy competition is part of head coach James Franklin’s “Four Core Values,” and the team’s 6-2 mark is the only statistic that matters at this point. Cabinda’s 61 tackles lead the team, while the redshirt freshman Reeder has far exceeded expectations with 46.

Bell’s veteran presence has been integral in expediting the development of his fellow linebackers, particularly true freshmen Manny Bowen and Jake Cooper, and they know he’ll step up when the team needs him most. Bell’s enormous forced fumble of Maryland quarterback Perry Hills a few minutes into the fourth quarter of last weekend’s 31-30 road victory serves as a prime example of this notion, depicting a player with a knack for producing under pressure.

The Terps stripped Nick Scott on the kickoff return one play earlier, and seemed to be within striking distance nestled deep in Penn State territory. But Bell stalked his prey like a true lion, exploding into the backfield before knocking jarring the ball loose from Hills’ grasp. Defensive end Garrett Sickels scooped the fumble off the turf and rumbled down the sideline for nearly 40 yards.

Bell will play a big role in the Nittany Lions’ plans to shut down Illinois on Halloween in Beaver Stadium. The Illini run a more traditional offense that should provide a nice change of pace from the gouging running styles of Hills and Ohio State’s J.T. Barrett the past two weeks.

Illinois quarterback Wes Lunt’s forte as a drop-back passer is more comparable to the looks Penn State was adept at shutting down in its wins over Buffalo and Rutgers. Expect Bell and the rest of Shoop’s front seven to be rested and ready to go for the noon kickoff this Saturday. And of course, be sure to wear purple or gray to the game in celebration of the life of alumna Kayla Nakonechni.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Ethan Kasales

Ethan’s a senior journalism major who grew up in Lemont, a few minutes from campus. When he’s not covering Penn State sports, you can usually find him golfing or teaching snowboarding at Tussey Mountain. Feel free to email him at [email protected].

DuBois Goodwill Sells Rare Lego Piece For Over $18,000

While it took some time for Goodwill experts to know what they had on their hands, initial offers for the piece came in at $30,000.

Lady Lions Outlast Mississippi State 92-87 In WBIT Quarterfinals

Penn State scored 46 points in the paint to advance to the semifinals.

New Defensive Coordinator Tom Allen Brings Key Wrinkles To Penn State Football’s Defense

“We try to keep things simple so we can play fast.”

Follow on Another Platform
113kFollowers
164kFollowers
59.4kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Other posts by Ethan

Thanks For The Memories: Ethan Kasales’ Senior Column

Onward State staffer Ethan Kasales reflects on the past few years and everyone who helped make his college experience so rewarding.

Four-Star Defensive Tackle D’Von Ellies Commits To Penn State

Three-Star Defensive End Smith Vilbert Commits To Penn State