California 3-Star WR Maurice Bell Updates Iowa Visit and Talks Offseason Football

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Murrieta Valley (Murrieta, CA) had a high-powered offensive engine during the 2015 season scoring on average 40 points per contest. The Nighthawks rolled their way through the California gridiron schedule posting a 9-3 record making the second round of the CIF Southern Section Playoffs. One of the key components to their scoring machine was Class of 2017 wide receiver Maurice Bell.

Bell was a constant scoring threat anytime the ball came his way averaging 18.7 yards per reception hauling in 51 passes for 956 yards. Nearly a third of his receptions ended with Bell finding the end zone crossing the line 16 times in the passing attack. Bell also flashed his speed and open field abilities fielding four kickoffs for 160 yards taking one to the house.

That kind of production has not been lost on college coaches. Thus far, the 6’0”, 175 pound, talent has offers from Iowa, Arizona State, Nebraska, New Mexico, Colorado, UNLV, Washington State, Michigan, Boston College, and Arizona. Bell has made the rounds taking unofficial visits to Cal, Nebraska, Colorado, and just wrapped up a visit to Iowa over the weekend.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Bell before he left the Hawkeye State for California to get a rundown on his offseason workouts, an overview on his visit to Iowa City, and received a recruiting news update.

Interview

Maurice, before we get into your visit with the Hawkeyes, I’d like to get caught up on your junior season.

“Okay.”

You had a fantastic year with 51 passes caught for 956 yards with 16 touchdowns. At this point in your career what are some of the things you feel you do well as a receiver?

“I think my route running ability and my ability to get away from defensive backs are my strengths.”

Did you earn any individual honors at the end of your junior year?

“I was second team All-League.”

What are you working on in the offseason to improve upon for next season?

“I’m working on my route running, I always want to improve on my route running, and I’m working on creating space from defensive backs.”

Have you set your goals for the 2016 football season yet?

“Yes. I want to break 1,000 yards (receiving) and I also want 20 touchdowns this year. I want to bring my team to the playoffs and get a ring.”

How will your role change this year compared to 2016?

“Most likely, as of right now, I will be the punt returner, kick returner, wide receiver, and you may see me on defense.”

Where at on defense?

“At corner or safety.”

Of the 10 teams that have offered, are any of the schools pushing a little bit harder than the other schools hoping to get your verbal commitment?

“Colorado and Iowa are pushing really hard.”

Are there any schools that have not offered but are recruiting you hard?

“No teams are showing interest that have not offered.”

You are still in Iowa but what other unofficial visits have you taken so far?

“Last year I went to Cal. This year I’ve been to Nebraska, Colorado, and Iowa.”

How did your Colorado trip go?

“It was a lot of fun. I met with the coaches and they talked to me about where I would be placed at within their system. I was impressed with what they had to say and with the program.”

The question that begs to be asked, what did they say about how you would fit into their system?

“They said I could be an early impact player and start as a freshman.”

That’s great. How did your trip to Nebraska go?

“It went very well. Of course, they have a Cali-Nebraska thing going. There was a lot of hype heading into that visit. The fans are crazy there, they were great. It blew my mind.”

There is a pipeline Nebraska has going into southern California. Why do you think California recruits are responding so well to Nebraska’s pitch?

“I guess because Keyshawn Johnson Jr. (2017 WR Calabasas) committed there. I’m truly not so sure who started it. They have offered a lot of Cali kids. That’s the main thing with all the offers.”

You are still in Iowa so I have to ask about your trip to Iowa. What all did you do during your visit with the Hawkeyes?

“We got in on Friday night. On Saturday we went to the facilities and met up with Coach (Bobby) Kennedy (wide receivers coach), Coach (Kirk) Ferentz (head coach), and Coach (Chris) White (running backs coach). Then we toured the facilities, ate lunch, and watched the spring game.”

When you met up with the coaches what did you talk about with them?

“With Coach Kennedy, we talked about where I would play in their system, the impact that I would have, and if I could compete as a true freshman.”

I’m guessing they said nice things?

(Laughs) “Yes they did. They said I would be able to compete for playing time early. They would give me a fair chance.”

Really that is all you can ask for going to the next level.

“Yes.”

Did you get to sit in on any position meetings, get to see the coaches’ interactions with the players, or learn anything new about the Iowa program during your visit?

“When I spoke with Coach Ferentz, we were talking about the program and the stability of the staff. They are really big on creating bonds with the players. The staff is full of a lot of former players or people that had something to do with the school and the building of the program. The relationships built there go forward into the future.”

Did you have any takeaway thoughts about the spring game?

“I thought they would run the ball a lot. I was surprised they put the ball up in the air as much as they did. I was shocked. They give a lot of opportunities for receivers to make plays.”

Do you have any other upcoming visits planned?

“I’m planning on going to Arizona on May 7.”

Have you released or will you release a Top 5 or Top 3 anytime soon?

“No, but I am planning on doing one soon.”

Do you have a timeframe on making your verbal commitment?

“Yes. I want to commit before my senior season. I plan on committing on my birthday, June 10.”

When you make that big decision, what are the main factors you will consider in choosing a college?

“A lot of what will affect my decision is the environment where I am going. My family being able to watch me play and being comfortable with me being there. Do I feel comfortable in that place?”

I like to ask about the classroom. Do you have a GPA you don’t mind sharing?

“I have a 2.8 or 2.9.”

Honesty, I like it.

(Laughs)

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I have taken the ACT, I got an 18. I am taking the SAT soon.”

Do you know what you want to major in while in college?

“Communications.”

What is your favorite subject in school right now?

“English.”

Maurice, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming visit to Arizona.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: iesportsnews.com; No. 24 Maurice Bell gains extra yards.

Photo credit: Bell family; Maurice Bell at Iowa with head coach Kirk Ferentz.

Photo credit: Bell family; Maurice Bell at Colorado.