Vonn Bell: "I Want to Be a Head Hunter When I Get Up There"

This past February, no coach in the nation was able to close with as much force on a recruiting class than Urban Meyer.  Among the players Meyer was able to grab early in the process was 5-star safety Vonn Bell (via Scout.com).

Yesterday, Rivals.com’s Marc Givler was able to catch up with Vonn as he began workouts for the upcoming 2013 season.

Most notably, Vonn said that he played his senior season at around 177 pounds and is currently in the process of getting to 200 pounds before he arrives on campus.

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Vonn Bell on adding 15pounds to get up to 193 'I'm trying to get to 200 I want to be a head hunter when I get up there' #OhioState#buckeyes

— Marc Givler (@MarcGivlerBG) May 14, 2013

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In order to be a legit, big-time safety at the next level, Vonn needs to gain weight without losing his speed.  Because he was 177 pounds as a senior, there were people saying that he might project better as a cornerback. 

If and when Bell is able to reach 200 pounds, he’ll be a freak on the football field.  With an already flexible set of hips and his overall ball skills, he should push for playing time when fall camp rolls around.

The ball skills are there for Bell to have an instant impact.  Though it’ll be hard to be a starter from day one with Christian Bryant and CJ Barnett returning as seniors, the Georgia native will definitely see playing time.  “Obviously this time of year, everyone is working for a spot. The coaches say they might put me at Nickel at first so coming out I have to just learn the system and listen to the coaches.” Bell told Givler.

The nickel position will be a perfect fit if in fact he is able separate himself from others in the fall.  It’ll be tough sledding, though, as he’ll likely have to battle Tyvis Powell and Corey Brown, both having the size advantage and experience over Bell. 

Defense won’t be the only place you’ll see Bell on the field this year.  Meyer likes a tough, nasty and fast kickoff team, and like last year, you should see a handful of the young pups make an impact on special teams.  

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Ohio State certainly grabbed a gem when they were able to land Vonn Bell on national signing day.  The kid has it all, now it’s up to him to translate it at the higher level.  His work ethic seems to be there as he’s put on 15 pounds over the last few months. 

The only unknown will be if he can pick up the playbook fast enough to gain substantial playing time.  If the game slows down for him and he keeps making strides in the weight room, Vonn Bell will become the head hunter he wants to be and the head hunter Buckeye Nation has longed for.