Interview: 3-Star 2019 California QB Caden Bell Talks Columbia Verbal Commitment

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

As a recruiting analyst, a tip of the hat to Columbia University is well deserved. The Ivy League program routinely scours California to identify top talent that fits their mold on and off the field. Their attention to detail helped identify an emerging California field general set for a big senior year in Caden Bell. On Thursday, August 9, all the hard work put in by the Lions’ staff paid off in a verbal commitment from Bell outworking offers given to the 6-0, 190-pound, quarterback from Yale, Holy Cross, Brown, and San Jose State.

Bell suited up in 2017 for Servite High School completing 20-of-38 passes for 328 yards with two touchdowns avoiding throwing a pick. He also rushed for 81 yards with three scores going up on the board in limited action. When the 2018 season kicks off, Bell will solely be in command of JSerra Catholic’s offense with extremely talented skill position players around him putting fear into the eyes of the opposition.

Ahead of a big senior season and shortly after his verbal commitment announcement on Twitter, I sat down with the three-star 2019 quarterback to learn more about how Columbia became his ideal next level fit with a couple of questions about JSerra’s upcoming season.

*Click link for July 13, 2018, RNG video interview with Caden Bell

Interview

Caden, congratulations on your commitment.

“Thank you.”

How did the recruiting process between you and Columbia go from interest, to offer, and then to commitment?

“I had been talking to the coaching staff from Columbia for a long time. They have shown a lot of interest. They made it clear that they would not offer me until I threw at their camp; then they offered me at their camp. During their camp, they pulled me aside for a one-on-one meeting with their QB coach during lunch, Coach (Ricky) Santos. Coach Santos showed me how I would fit into their offensive scheme.

I felt like they knew they were going to offer me. I felt like I was a great fit in their playbook. That was big for me with Coach Santos showing me my fit in the offense. That was cool.”

What were some of the factors that led to Columbia being the perfect fit for you?

“The coaching staff recruited me hard. They showed me a lot of interest. They let me know that I was their No. 1 guy and that they would not take a guy until I committed to them or elsewhere. That was big for me. Education is important for me. Having an Ivy League education is important for, and they are a D-I program. They went 8-2 last year. With their staff, I believe they will be atop the Ivy League soon.”

As mentioned, you camped with them this summer, what were some of the lasting impressions from the camp that stuck with you and factored into your decision?

“The location; New York City that is cool. The stadium and facilities are all nice and new. I had a FBS offer and I visited other FBS programs, their facilities were just as nice if not better. They were not lacking in any areas and were better than most of the programs I had seen. My ability to play early all factored in as well.”

Which coach got the commitment phone call?

“My first call was to their offensive coordinator, Coach (Mark) Fabish. Then I called Coach Santos and then the head coach, Coach (Al) Bagnoli). I did not have Coach Bagnoli’s phone number or I would have called him first, but then I got his number.”

What was Coach Fabish’s and Coach Santo’s reaction when you committed?

“They were ecstatic. I could tell his excitement through the phone. He seemed shocked. He asked me about my recruiting process and when I might commit, then I told him I made my decision and I am committing. He was pumped up with his voice and words. Their entire staff recruited me, even the defense coaches contacted me letting me know they wanted me at Columbia. All of them were very excited about my commitment.”

Before you made that call, what were you feeling and/or thinking?

“I wasn’t nervous, I have a great relationship with their coaching staff. I was excited. I knew they would be excited to have me commit. They are an up-and-coming program providing a great education, I am excited to play football and go to school there.”

Was there a moment when you started thinking that Columbia was the school and program for you?

“Yes. I did an initial Ivy League tour for their Junior Days after the season in January. I visited Yale, Brown, Penn, and all of those schools including Columbia. When I got to Columbia, it felt like home. I like the atmosphere and the city feeling there. I will never run out of things to do out there.”

How does it feel now to have a dream achieved knowing you will play D-I football next year?

“It is a special feeling. A burden has been taken off my chest. It is a great feeling knowing this time next year I will be playing D-I football. Not many get to do it. I am one of the lucky few with that chance.”

I have a couple of quick questions about fall camp and the upcoming season. How are the Lions looking in practice?

“We are looking good. Munir McClain is coming back. It is always great to have a big fast guy back at receiver. Tarik Luckett, he is big and fast as well. Both of them will be dangerous this year. I have Tyler Shimomura in the slot, he is one of the more talented players I have played with. Our offensive line is working hard; it is coming together. I feel good about our non-conference and Trinity League games. I am excited for the season.”

You guys open with Corona del Mar on Aug. 16, what kind of challenge are you expecting from their team?

“We played CDM in 7v7 at Redondo Passing Tournament; they beat us. But, I am not too nervous. We did not have our entire team for that tournament. We were missing two of our corners and Munir. Having Chris Street at running back, with him being able to make a difference will be big for us. Our offensive line is big and physical – I am excited to show everyone what we are about this year.”

Are there any other games on the schedule you are pumped to play?

“I am excited about all the Trinity League games, especially playing Servite this year. I still have a lot of friends on that team. I am excited for Orange Lutheran. Playing against Ethan Rae (TE) and Kyle Ford (WR), they are two of my best friends. Mater Dei and St. John Bosco are always tough teams to play. In Week 2, I am excited to play Calabasas. Mycah Pittman (receiver) and I played for the same Premium (7v7) team this spring. There is some trash talking going on there.”

Caden, again, congratulations on your commitment to Columbia and good luck with the upcoming season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Caden Bell

Photo credit: Caden Bell’s Twitter announcement