If you're a Michigan Football fan, this is becoming somewhat of a common sight: a Wolverine wideout leaving a Buckeye defender in the dust.
That's exactly what happened this afternoon when U-M wideout Ronnie Bell lined up against OSU defensive back Ronnie Hickman. In the video clip below, Hickman struggles to even stay within the fame of the camera - let alone being a position to make a play on the ball.
Back in November, Bell contributed 3 receptions for 46 yards against the Buckeyes in Columbus, as the Wolverines marched to another dominant 45-23 victory. It was Michigan's first road win over Ohio State since 2000 and the second consecutive win over the Buckeyes since the 1999-2000 seasons.
So far, Bell is making quite the impression during Senior Bowl practices - leading Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network to draw comparisons of Bell with current Detroit Lions wideout, Amon-Ra St. Brown.
After receiving just one offer from a Division I program to play college football, Bell went on to become one of the top receivers in Michigan Football history. In addition to being named a two-time captain in 2021 and 2022, Bell finished his Michigan career ranking No. 10 all-time in career receptions (145) and tied for No. 9 overall in all-time career receiving yards (2,269).
Here's a look at Bell's Draft scouting report via NFL Draft Buzz:
- His long arms allow him to play bigger than his size, and Bell has a frame that can carry a little more weight.
- Very good hands, accepts the ball fluidly on most throws and is ready to make a play afterward. Makes catches in traffic, even going up over taller defenders with vertical and toughness.
- He’s equally dangerous in catch-and-run situations as he is taking the top off a defense
- Bell has reliable hands and shows the willingness to make catches in traffic over the middle.
- He’s at his best working in space, showing the quickness and vision of a return specialist. His stop-start ability allows him to create initial separation.
- Often used on deep routes, getting separation down the sideline or over the middle on crossing routes by extending his arms rather than pure speed.
- He accelerates quickly and possesses good straight-line speed. Bell shows solid ball-tracking skills and body control downfield, able to adjust to the off-target throw.
You can catch Bell's final game in the winged helmet at the Senior Bowl this Saturday, Feb. 4, at 2:30 pm ET on NFL Network.
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