Gator Country

Last year the Florida Gators were excited about Monroeville (PA) Gateway linebacker Shayne Hale. Hale received a Florida scholarship offer but he never seriously considered the Gators. The Gators are back in Monroeville this year taking a look at Dorian Bell and perhaps the second time is a charm to land a talented linebacker from Gateway High School.

“I got an offer from Florida,” the 6-1, 225-pounder said. “I haven’t really talked to any of the coaches, I just know they offered me. But, I want to hear more from the coaches.”

At this point Bell said he is wide open and considering all the schools that have offered. So far, he’s got 30 on that offer list and that includes the Gators along with state rivals Florida State and Miami.

If you go by numbers alone, Bell certainly deserves all the attention he is getting from college coaches. Last year he recorded 131 tackles including 25 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, nine pass breakups and one interception. He was named to the “Fabulous 22” team by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and the “Terrific 25” by the Tribune-Review.

When deciding on a future home Bell said there are two things that are extremely important to him.

“Academics are the most important thing to me,” he said. “I want to major in something computer and technology related, so the school I go to has to have a good program related to that. It is also very important to me that I stay close to home so my dad can come to my games.”

Bell, who runs a 4.5 40-yard dash, has already visited UNC and Ohio State, but as far as any future trips he very unsure.

“I’m not sure about any junior days or anything like that,” he said. “I know I am playing in a 7 on 7 tournament in March, but other than that I really don’t know.”

Right now Bell is following the advice Hale gave him and taking everything slow.

“He told me to be patient, don’t rush, see all the schools and then decide which one I like best,” Bell said about Hale’s advice. “So, I am just going with the flow and probably will make my decision at the US Army Game.”

While Bell did say he wanted to hear more from the Gators, he does have ties to the other two in state schools.

FLORIDA STATE: “I grew up rooting for Florida State because my favorite player Warrick Dunn played for them. That is something I will think about when I make my decision.”

MIAMI: “Arthur Brown just signed there and I look up to him somewhat. I really like the way he plays, but that won’t be a factor in my decision.”

Bell is an extremely talented player, but his desire to stay close to home probably rules out the Gators. However, since he is in no rush to make a decision and favoring no schools at this point, don’t count out Urban Meyer just yet. The Gators have recruited well out of state and they’ve got a good track record in the northeast.

About the author

Ryan Moss

Ryan Moss recently graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Marketing in the spring of 2008 and have since left “Title Town” and returned back to Northern Virginia. In addition to working for Gator Country, he also works for a startup-consulting firm that specializes in online marketing called Eyetraffic Media. Ryan is a die hard Gator fan who was fortunate enough to have attended all three national championships.

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