Louisiana Football: Interview with Green Oaks Class of 2018 WR Devonte Bell
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Wide receiver Devonte Bell has been part of the Green Oaks High School football program over the past three seasons. During that time, Bell has played on a Giants’ team that won three games in 2014, improved to four wins and made a rare playoff appearance in 2015, and then managed just one victory in 2016. After the Giants’ one-win season, their head coach was dismissed with Terrence Isaac Sr., formerly of A Plus Academy in Dallas, hired as the new head and offensive coordinator in December bringing hope for the future to the Shreveport (LA) squad including Bell.
Despite the ups and downs, Bell has always worked hard and put forth his best effort both in games, on the practice field, and in the weight room. The 5’9”, 163 pound receiver has the ability to play as a slot receiver and has also spent some time in the backfield as a running back. After Bell’s first meeting with his new head coach, he got really excited about the upcoming season as “I knew we have a better team.”
The Class of 2018 prospect visited Baylor during a Junior Day event Feb. 18 enjoying the experience. Bell is also looking forward to attending camps and possibly making more visits during the upcoming summer months.
The senior playmaker not only works hard on the field but also has 3.8 GPA in the class room. The 2017 season will be Bell’s last go-round as a part of the Giants program and he knows that with their new head coach leading the way and with everyone working hard in the offseason, Green Oaks will have a great year.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with Devonte to discuss his career at Green Oaks, his relationship with his new head coach and his recruiting process.
Interview
What are your thoughts on the 2016 season?
“I feel like we could have been coached better and put forth better effort.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“I like to work hard and put forth my best effort.”
Are there any schools showing interest in you?
“I went to Baylor for their Junior Day on Feb. 18.”
How did the Junior Day go?
“It was nice and everything was great. I liked the sit downs with the position coaches and how they broke down their system.”
What was your first thought when you heard you were getting a new head coach?
“I knew we would have to do better as a team and not have a bad record last year. We know they are changing it up.”
What was his message to you when you first met him?
“Either you’re going to be in this program or fall. Our program is going to show us how a college program will be.”
How excited are you to get started to prepare for next season with your new head coach?
“We’re very excited and we understand what Coach Isaac is about. He’s molding us into young men. I appreciate Coach Isaac and Coach Embry. I know we will do well.”
How does Green Oaks look going into next season?
“We have a little rebuilding to do but by the time the games come we’ll do great. We have a lot of talent.”
When do you start playing football?
“I started playing my freshman season.”
What helped you to decide to start playing?
“The influence from my cousins and brothers. They made me want to go play.”
What is your GPA?
“3.8.”
Who has had the biggest impact on your football career?
“My parents and coaches, they push me the hardest and are always there for me. They push me to wake up early and go to workouts and practices.”
How excited are you for the season to get started?
“I’m very excited and ready to face the challenges that we are up against.”
What do you like most about your new head coach, Coach Isaac?
“He works with us every day. He pushes us harder and harder and we learn something new every day.”
Thank you for your time and good luck in the upcoming season.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: gogiantsnation.olinesports.com; Green Oaks WR Devonte Bell lining up on the practice field
Photo credit: twitter.com/DevonteBell3; Green Oaks WR Devonte Bell