On Monday, Bob Stoops released the two-deep depth chart for the Oklahoma Sooners in their season opener against Louisiana Tech. Senior Blake Bell is listed as a starter, but not at the position that Sooners’ fans are used to seeing him in. The former quarterback is now Oklahoma’s starting tight end.
Bell started eight games for the Sooners last season at quarterback, before the emergence of Trevor Knight late in the season. Most notably, Knight led the Sooners to a 45-31 victory over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl when he completed 72.7 percent of his passes for 348 yards and four touchdowns. Over the Spring, it was clear that Knight had taken over the starting quarterback position, and in response, Bell decided to become a tight end.
At 6-foot-6, 260 pounds, tight end appears to be a much better fit for Bell, and he impressed coaches enough to give him the job over expected starting TE Taylor McNamara.
When talking about Bell’s position transition on Monday, Stoops had positive things to say. “He loves doing it,” Stoops told reporters. “He’s really a big target, a comfortable target for Trevor or any quarterback when in the middle of the field. He’s got great hands.” Stoops also raved about Bell’s ability to get “stronger and bigger” over the off-season, and his “blocking has been solid.”
Even with the position change, the “Belldozer” plays are not going anywhere. Bell has dominated short yardage situations as a runner, totaling 24 rushing touchdowns in his freshman and sophomore years combined. While he will be playing tight end, Bell will still be a weapon as a runner for the Sooners.
With his size and ability, expect Bell to be able to make this transition seamlessly. He is a very athletic player who will be a weapon any way that the Sooners decide to use him.