3-star defensive end set to visit Illinois
Illinois will get a visit from 3-star defensive end Trumane Bell from Dallas (Texas) Lake Highlands.
Bell is currently committed to Texas-San Antonio, but he is starting to pick up heavy Power 5 interest. Orange and Blue News spoke to Bell to get the latest.
Illinois has been very active working the Dallas area led by wide receiver coach Andrew Hayes-Stoker. According to Bell, the Illini staff reviewed his senior film and liked what they saw.
Bell has some Midwest roots, so he's looking forward to the trip to Chamapaign to check out the Illinois program in person.
"I'm visiting on Dec. 17," Bell said. "I feel great about visiting Illinois because I'm actually from Chicago, so it will be a great feeling visiting my hometown college."
With a month until the early signing period, Illinois is looking to add more talent the 2018 recruiting class. Adding speed is a priority, and Bell fits the bill.
Bell said he has a chance to pick up an offer from the Illini on his visit. It would be his first Power 5 offer.
"They want to see me in person and get to know me," he said. "If Illinois offers me, that would be an amazing feeling."
Bell's senior highlights are impressive. He shows excellent burst off of the ball, speed in the open field, and is a punishing tackler.
"My senior year was my best year, so that's why I'm getting looked at more by Power 5 schools," Bell said. "(College coaches) like my speed, and my effort when the ball is away from me making backside tackles. And I also go sideline-to-sideline."
Programs now showing interest in Bell include Texas, Arkansas, Baylor, Memphis, and TCU. He is visiting Texas this weekend and is just off of a trip to Baylor.
The Illini are also recruiting West Mesquite (Texas) athlete Dayven Coleman, who is visiting Illinois the same weekend as Bell. The two players are friends off the field.
Bell plays at defensive end with his hand on the ground, and he also lines up at outside linebacker. Illinois would take advantage of his versatility, according to Bell.
"They're thinking about doing what I did this year in high school, playing linebacker or coming down and playing defensive end like a hybrid," Bell said.