Interview: Strong Junior Season Coming Together for 2018 California DL Jarrett Bell

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Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The best any player in any sport can hope to achieve is growth and progress in talent and accomplishments from one year to the next. One California underclassman starting to come into his own is Norco High School defensive lineman Jarrett Bell.

Bell had a very solid sophomore season with the Cougars posting 37 tackles, 15 solo, 8.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble through nine games against top California competition while playing ironman football. As the seasons change so does life on the gridiron. Bell is no longer playing on both sides of the ball but is now focused on stuffing opposing offenses and getting after the quarterback. Stats posted through five games, the 6-5, 275 pound, talent has come up with 15 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, and one interception in the trenches.

The 4-2 Cougars are fresh off a 58-21 trouncing of neighbor Corona High School with four games left on the schedule. The biggest profile game left is against another Corona area squad, Centennial High School. The Huskies are 5-1 with a MaxPreps national ranking at No. 7 and a state ranking at No. 3. Colleges are starting to come around on Bell and will certainly be on hand to see the Cougars home game against crosstown rival Centennial.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Bell to get an update on his season thus far and a recruiting news overview.

Interview

Jarrett, how is your junior season going for you so far?

“The season is going great. I’m getting a lot of tackles for a loss and sacks. After Friday’s game, I think I have five sacks on the season.”

What parts of your game have you improved upon from this year to last year?

“I have improved a lot on my pass rush. I am quicker off the line and better at attacking the quarterback’s outside shoulder.”

Last year you were playing on both sides of the line. Where all are you playing this year?

“I was playing left tackle last year and early this year but the coaches are keeping me fresh just playing at defensive end and defensive tackle this season.”

What did you max out at in the weight room over the off-season?

“My squat was 455, I got 315 on bench, and my clean was 325.”

You guys got another big win on Friday night against Corona, how did that game go for you?

“It was a pretty good game. We won 58-21. Personally, I was a little banged up but I still had a sack and a couple of tackles for a loss.”

You guys have a big game left on the schedule against Centennial on Oct. 28, are you getting pumped up for that showdown?

“I am. They run a read-option offense and they have a really good QB (Tanner McKee). That will be a good challenge for us.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you right now?

“I’m getting some interest from Duke, Northwestern, and USC.”

Have you made any unofficial visits during the season yet?

“No. I’ve been invited to Duke and to USC. I am planning on going to a USC game soon. Making it to North Carolina for a Duke game is really far from California during the season.”

What is your overall GPA right now?

“I have a weighted GPA at 3.7.”

Are you set to take your ACT or SAT?

“I’m taking the SAT this month. I just took the pre-SAT to get ready. I just took the ACT.”

How do you feel like you did on the ACT?

“I feel like I did pretty good on it.”

Last question, you guys are now 4-2. How does the team look heading into that end of season about to be playoff run?

“Right now we are looking really solid. We had a young offense going into the season but they have picked it up. We have shut down the run on defense. We are working on our pass defense but everything is coming together.”

Jarrett, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; No. 50 Jarrett Bell

Photo credit: dailybulletin.com; No. 50 Jarrett Bell chases down a Chino High School ball carrier.

Photo credit: Gibbs Photography; No. 50 Jarrett Bell on the field.