Bell set to arrive
Christian Bell is a former star for the Hoover High School. He helped the Bucs capture three consecutive state championships. He was an early commitment for Alabama in the 2015 class, but he was asked to grayshirt delaying enrollment until January 2016.
Bell believes enrolling next month was a major benefit for his development as a player and potential for his future in Tuscaloosa.
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"I signed my financial aid agreement papers today," an excited Bell said on Wednesday. "I report on the 9th (of January) as of right now. They are still trying to see if I can come down for bowl practices.
"It's a very exciting point in my life. It's a moment I've been waiting for. At first it was kind of hard, but once I started helping coach fifth grade pee wee football it helped out a lot. It made the time go by fast.
"I've been working out at least three days a week. I have been running. I've been working with a trainer. I am up to 240-pounds now. Alabama wants me to come in and play linebacker.
"Mentally, now it makes me more hungry. I've become a better student of the game. I know once I get down there I will be in the film room a lot. I've become a lot quicker. My first step is a lot quicker.
"I am going to work hard and try to get on the field. I am going to work as hard as I can. I feel like being off the field this year has really helped me. It's been a blessing. I've learned so much. I probably would have been redshirted if I went down there this year. I am now ready to go."
There has been a coaching change at defensive coordinator for Alabama. Bell had a good relationship with Alabama's former defensive coordinator, but Jeremy Pruitt was also a former coach at Hoover.
"It's a great opportunity for him," he said of Smart leaving Alabama. "I was glad for him. He deserved it. God has a plan for everything.
"I kind of knew of Coach Pruitt. He used to come to the school (Hoover) when he was at Florida State. I thought it was pretty good for him. I don't know him that well. I know he runs the same type of defense. Everything will be about the same."
Bell has remained in contact with a few Crimson Tide players this season.
"I always talk to Shawn Jennings when I go down there," he said. "I usually hang out with him. I have kept in contact with Ronnie Harrison a lot. I talk to Anthony Jennings and Mekhi (Brown). I talk to a lot of guys in my class.
Bell is excited about Alabama's chances in the college football playoffs.
"The team stepped up when it was time to step up," he said. "I feel better than ever about their chances in the playoffs. I feel like they will go and handle their business."