Upon meeting Braden River High junior running back Jajuan Bell, you wouldn't guess he enjoys bringing the pain.
But the 5-foot-9, 175-pounder channels his past as a defensive player to churn out the extra yards that have kept the Pirates' offense clicking.
"I like delivering the blows instead of taking them from offensive players," said Bell, a youth football linebacker who played cornerback for Braden River last season while backing up since-graduated Tim Grider at running back.
Although head coach Josh Hunter has other weapons at his disposal, he's likely to turn to the hard-driving Bell early and often in tonight's Class 3A-District 12 showdown at Arcadia DeSoto County. The Pirates enter 2-1 and the defending district champion Bulldogs are 1-2.
"For his size, Jajuan is one of the strongest kids on the team, pound for pound," Hunter said. "There is no fear in him. He's not afraid to lower his head, he does a good job running between the tackles, and he gives 100 percent on every play."
Bell can also pop through a seam quicker than it takes fans to find their seats after a popcorn purchase.
"He busted one up the gut for 82 yards against (Class 4A) Bayshore last week, then he took one around the edge for 85 yards that was called back for holding," Hunter said.
"You'd like him to be a step quicker, but he has shown he can be that breakaway threat along with being a pounder. And he has the patience to pick up four, five, six yards at a clip."
In three games against teams in larger classifications, the area's leading rusher has averaged 27 carries and 175 yards a game while scoring five touchdowns. Bell appeared unstoppable at times against the Bruins, piling up 236 yards despite sitting out the first quarter.
Impressed yet? Well, Bell's 6-year-old brother Kennelius doesn't think he's that big a deal.
"He'll be asleep by the time I get back home from a game," Bell said.
But Kennelius is coming around.
"He gets the newspaper for me (Saturday morning)," said big brother.
On occasion, Bell becomes uncomfortable reading the accounts of his exploits and getting congratulated by classmates he barely knows. But the videotape doesn't lie - Braden River's offensive line keeps giving him a head-start to glory.
"Those guys should be getting all the credit," Bell said. "If it wasn't for them opening the holes, I would have nothing at all. I like running behind all of them."
Center Joey Tonkin says the feeling is mutual because Bell has the drive and desire to turn a 2nd-and-6 situation into 2nd-and-2 with extra effort.
"He's running as hard as he can every time he hits a hole," Tonkin said. "He's got good lateral movement, but he pretty much runs into whoever gets in his way."
"He has speed and vision, and he doesn't go down very easy," quarterback Stephen Fischer said.
While Bell sat out the first quarter last week, senior Ruben Roderick took advantage of the holes opened by Tonkin, tackles Brian Hukalowicz and Steve Gainey, guards Nick Gaines, Caleb Parker and Josh Spence and tight end Mark McKoan. Roderick rushed for 82 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries.
"They both can tote the mail," DeSoto County head coach Gary Morton said. "(Bell) is a complete back. He can outrun you, he can run through tackles and he's patient."
Truth be told, Bell is sore after his Friday night labors. But he realizes it's the price to pay if the Pirates are to contend for a district title.
"I've got to get used to it if I want this team to be successful," he said.
Hunter and the coaching staff value that mentality.
"His legs are a little tired when he comes to lift Saturday, but he comes back Monday ready to rock and roll," Hunter said.
E-Mail
Print
Quick Job Search
@Nyx.CommentBody@