His was one of the most hyped recruiting battles in area history. Leading up to signing day three years ago, there was great anticipation about which school Vonn Bell would choose for his college football career.
After narrowing his list of choices from dozens of offers down to Tennessee, Alabama and Ohio State, Bell ultimately chose the Buckeyes and made a bold statement in doing so that day.
Ohio State defensive back Vonn Bell (11) intercepts a pass intended for Penn State wide receiver Matt Zanellato (80) during the first quarter an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)“I believe we’re going to beat Alabama and win the national championship before my career is over,” Bell said just moments after putting the red Ohio State cap on his head inside the Ridgeland High School auditorium.
Two years into his college career, Bell’s prediction came true as the Buckeyes knocked off Alabama in the semifinals, then earned the national title with a win over Oregon. And Bell was a key defensive factor along the way, snatching a game-sealing interception in the closing minutes of the upset win over the Crimson Tide, then registering six tackles and a sack against the Ducks.
“It gives me chills looking back on it – how that dream really came to reality,” Bell said. “I did my homework and knew the guys coming in with my class and how much talent there was. I knew the parts were in place for us to do big things. We just had to work, stay healthy and make plays, and that’s what we did. What a ride.”