Bell signs with Franklin to continue football career
Mar. 21—LEBANON — Things haven't always come easy for Lebanon senior Trevon Bell.
But Bell has fought through the adversity to earn himself the opportunity to further his education and play football at the next level.
Bell signed with Franklin College on Tuesday afternoon, and had a signing ceremony at the high school to celebrate his commitment to continue his education and athletic career at the next level.
"This is a great milestone and I can't wait to get down there," Bell said on Tuesday. "All the coaches welcomed me with open arms and I am looking forward to getting with them this summer."
Franklin is a Division III school that plays in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference.
This past season, the Grizzlies finished 4-6 under head coach Alan Hensell.
"I had multiple visits and when I met with Franklin, it just felt like family," Bell said. "Everybody there knew who I was, where I was from and what I was about. It felt like home already on a visit."
Bell was a key part of the offensive and defensive lines for the Tigers this year.
He said that Franklin sees him as a defensive end, and on defense this past year he registered 12 tackles and a sack.
"Their coaches really liked my explosiveness for my size," Bell said. "They liked how I get off the ball. They liked my strength too, and that's something I am going to continue to work on."
Bell said he is continuing to work this spring on his game so he is ready to make the jump to the next level.
He is also participating in track this spring to help get himself ready.
"I have been working a lot," Bell said. "I am working on getting my endurance up. When I get down to Franklin, I want to be a freshmen standout."
When looking back at his time at Lebanon, Bell said there are a couple things that will stand out in his memories.
"I will remember the brotherhood with the team and some of the hardships I had to go through," Bell said. "Here at Lebanon, they really build you up to be a better person and they definitely helped me."
Bell plans on studying business management and marketing.
Will Willems is the Sports Editor of the Lebanon Reporter. Follow him on Twitter @Will_Willems.
