Interview: 2022 CB Tamerius Bell Showed Out Against Varsity Tennessee Competition in 2018
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWright RNG
The foundation for what could end up being an amazing high school football career was laid during the 2018 season in Memphis. Class of 2022 cornerback Tamerius Bell took to the gridiron performing like a seasoned veteran for Freedom Prep High School leaving all wondering what may come in the future. The 5-10, 180-pound, talent did not shy away from the challenge of playing varsity football putting an end to 48 plays with two picks, four passes batted away, and forced a fumble. Beyond his cover skills, unlike a lot of corners, he likes to hit willing to put a hat on anyone coming his way. This approach to the game has brought two offers from Baylor and Kent State with seemingly every other SEC school already showing recruiting interest. With an offseason move to Memphis Central, the chance to line up against 6A Tennessee competition is sure to turn all the interested into firm believers.
In an RNG exclusive, I sat down with one of Tennessee’s top rising stars in the 2022 class getting the inside scoop on his freshman season and early recruiting process.
Interview
Tamerius, freshmen are not supposed to do what you did last season at the varsity level. Entering the year, did you know you would have that big of an impact for the Freedom Prep defense?
“I did. Coming into the season, my coaches told me they needed me. I felt I had a big chance to impact the team.”
Due to your age classification, I am guessing you were challenged a lot and talked to a lot. What were some of the trash talking going on from other teams last season?
(Laughs) “There was some. But they studied me before they played me. They would tell me ‘you are good’ and ‘you know how to cover’. That was the good stuff they were saying. They were not hating, but more giving props.”
I like your speed and quickness and that you are not afraid to come up and hit against the run. What do you feel are some of the other strengths to your game as a corner?
“I am very coachable. When I mess up, I know how to overcome it. I can go to the next play and learn from my mistakes. I am developing my technique. If I keep using my technique, I feel like I can be the best corner in the country.”
How did you step up your game against varsity Tennessee competition last season?
My game improved with my man-to-man coverage. All my life I had been a zone guy. I started covering on my own island. I got comfortable going man-to-man.”
What have you been working on this offseason with your defense?
“This offseason I have been working on coming out of my break with explosion, not coming up too high, and my speed. I want to get in their face and run with them this year. I want to be 170 to 175 pounds during the season, but built with muscle. I am getting my body together. I am using my eyes more to read the field, not guessing or cheating.”
I like that. Are you going to any college camps upcoming?
“Yes. I am going to a Tennessee camp, on June 1st I am going to a Mercer camp, on June 9th to a Memphis Mega Camp, and I am going to an Arkansas camp on June 15th. Later this summer I am also going to camps at Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi State.”
Busy man. With the season you produced in 2018, which schools have offered you?
“Baylor and Kent State.”
Which schools are showing early interest?
“I am receiving interest from Memphis, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Arkansas.”
Have you taken any visits this offseason?
“Yes. I have visited Tennessee, Texas A&M, Georgia, and Auburn.”
How did the Tennessee visit go?
“It was great. They treated us like kings. They took us around, fed us – it was cool.”
What about A&M, how did that go?
“It was great. We chilled, talked to players, ate, and had a good time. Coach (Darrell) Dickey (OC) and Coach (Jimbo) Fisher (head coach), I like the way they run their practices and how they get down with the players.”
And Auburn, how did that go?
“It was great. I liked the way they run their practices. Their defensive backs coach, Coach (Marcus) Woodson, he knows how to coach. He has sent five or six defensive backs to the league. They run a 3-4, I like their defense and I like their defensive coordinator, Coach (Kevin) Steele. Their head coach, Coach (Gus) Malzahn – he is cool too.”
Do you have any planned visits aside from the camps you may attend?
“I want to visit Purdue and Bowling Green. My Godfather, who is like a father to me, played at Bowling Green. Sometimes I think about carrying on his tradition at Bowling Green.”
Last couple of questions. What are you favorite subjects in school?
“I hate math, English and Social Studies are my favorite subjects.”
What do you like to do for fun away from football?
“I like to go out with my girlfriend and play video games – and work on my technique.”
Tamerius, it was fun doing the interview with you today. I wish you luck with all the upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Bell family; Tamerius Bell at Tennessee and Texas A&M