One of the most decorated players in Hobart football history, Bell was a four-year starter on the offensive line, serving as a captain during his record-breaking senior season. An exceptional athlete, he also played one season for the Statesmen basketball team.
During his career, Hobart went 29-11, won three conference championships, made two NCAA playoff appearances and won the 2003 ECAC Northwest Bowl. Bell earned a spot on the All-UCAA teams in each of his four seasons, three Football Gazette All-East selections, two All-ECAC Northwest honors, and garnered All-American recognition as a junior and a senior.
A two-time recipient of the Tryon Award as Hobart’s best lineman, Bell did not allow a sack in his final two seasons as a Statesman. Hobart’s 2005 Francis L. “Babe” Kraus ’24 Memorial Award winner led the 2004 Statesmen to a 9-2 record, the program’s third consecutive league championship, and a third consecutive postseason berth. He was named to three All-America teams that season, including first team honors from the AFCA and D3football.com. Bell also represented Hobart on Team USA in the 2004 Aztec Bowl, a senior all-star game against a team of Mexican college all-stars.
Bell paved the road for the Statesmen to set team records for passing yards, passing touchdowns, total offense, touchdowns, and points during his senior year. Hobart’s offensive line reduced the number of sacks it allowed by 42 percent over the previous season, despite playing one more game.
As a junior, Bell led Hobart to a 6-4 record that included a 43-25 upset win at nationally-ranked Rensselaer and a 34-18 victory over Norwich in the ECAC Northwest Bowl. In the game against the Cadets, the Statesmen rushed for 312 yards behind the blocking of Bell and his fellow linemen, a Hobart postseason record that still stands.
That year, Bell also joined the Hobart basketball team. He played in 17 games, starting one, and averaged 5.1 ppg and 4.3 rpg while shooting 62.1 percent from the floor. He scored a season-high 15 points against Hamilton and logged a double-double in his final collegiate game on the hardwood, producing 14 points and 10 rebounds at St. Lawrence.
Bell’s athleticism was even used in the backfield, as he scored a pair of 1-yard touchdowns in 2001.
Bell attended the New York Giants’ minicamp in 2005 and played professionally in the Arena Football League in 2005 and 2006. In 2011, he was named to D3football.com’s All-Decade Team.
