Bell rings for Bama
Christian Bell, four-star defensive end from Hoover High School in Ala., committed to the University of Alabama on Wednesday. He becomes commitment No. 15, and the fifth player to commit to the Tide since A-Day. Alabama is off to a fantastic start on the defensive side of the ball with seven commitments rated inside the Rivals250.
Bell visited Alabama on Saturday for the Tide's A-Day game. He returned to Tuscaloosa on Wednesday to give his commitment to head coach Nick Saban. It with the fifth time since February Bell has visited the Capstone. Alabama signed five-star cornerback Marlon Humphrey in the 2014 class.
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"I am officially committed to the University of Alabama #Rolltide- Frosty Flake (@BELL_ringerr) April 23, 2014
"I committed to Alabama today," said Bell. "I knew on Saturday that's where I wanted to go. My mom and I went down there today. She felt it was also the best situation for me. She loved the academics.
"I met with Coach Saban today. He told me he wasn't forcing me to commit or anything. He didn't want to act like he was bugging me about it. He just asked me if it's what I wanted to do.
"I told Coach Saban I was ready to commit. He smiled for about 15-20 seconds. He told me I am not just committing to the football program. I am committing to the university and to get things started in my career.
How does he feel about the big decision?
"I just knew Alabama was the place for me," Bell said. "Things just clicked. I had a very strong connection with Alabama. They offered everything I was looking for from an athletic and academic standpoint. I am very excited to be committed to Alabama."
Bell had said earlier about his trip to UA, "They really run their whole program around teaching you how to be a man. It's not all about football. That's what I really like about them."
The 6-foot-3, 220-pound prospect enjoyed his trip to Tuscaloosa this past weekend.
"It was good," said Bell. "I got to take my two uncles down there. They are big Alabama fans. Alabama treated them really great. That really made me happy. The game was pretty intense. Kenyan Drake stood out. On the defensive side, Reggie Ragland stood out."