It didn't take long for New Orleans (La.) native Torrey Bell to impress on-looking coaches last week at Mississippi State's camp. The John Curtis High School defensive end also didn't take long to act on his recent MSU offer and committed to the Bulldogs late Monday night.
Advertisement
The 6-foot-5 and 220-pound Bell became MSU's sixth commitment for the Class of 2012 and the Bulldogs' second Louisiana native to join this class. Earlier this month, Belle Chasse (La.) safety Quadry Antoine choose the Bulldogs.
"I called coach Dan Mullen last night around eight," said Bell. "I told him I've been interested in Mississippi State and that they were one of my top schools and were in the best conference. I told him I've been praying to play at a place like Mississippi State. When I went there for camp I knew that was where I wanted to go.
"And Coach Mullen said he was excited for me and said they were just waiting on the call from me. He said I would fit in great with the program."
Bell also had offers from Southern Miss and McNeese State while drawing interest from Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Tennessee and LSU. He noted it was MSU's family atmosphere that helped with his decision.
"I really like how it is family oriented," said Bell. "I liked how close the players and coaches are and they are like one big family. The coaches and players communicate well and I really liked that fact. When I finished with all my camps, I thought Mississippi State conducted themselves the best as far as the players and coaches' relationships. After all my camps I knew that was the place for me."
With his decision barely a few hours old, Bell returned to his normal routine early Tuesday morning and was busy in the weight room working out. And with his college decision made, Bell doesn't plan to let up now.
"I am still working hard to get bigger and faster for next season," said Bell, who ran a 4.65 at Mississippi State. "I want to help us win a state championship and that is all that is on my mind now."
And glancing at his future at MSU, Bell said he would like to get to Starkville as quick as possible.
"I am going to look into early graduation if our school allows that," said Bell. "I will do that if possible so I can get to Mississippi State as fast as I can. I plan to major in sports medicine and it would be great to start my athletic and academic career as soon as possible at Mississippi State."
Last year as a junior at John Curtis High School, Bell collected 64 tackles, including seven sacks and 13 tackles for loss, and two interceptions en route to all-district honors. He has also collected all-district honors in basketball as well.