Bishop,
Bedlam &
Beyond

Blake Bell: Bishop, Bedlam & Beyond

Scoreboards scattered throughout the Mercedes-Benz Superdome glowed at the conclusion of the 2014 Sugar Bowl -- “Oklahoma 45, Alabama 31.” Sooners redshirt junior quarterback Blake Bell certainly loved the final score, but for him the outcome meant it was time to relocate.

After what transpired in New Orleans last Jan. 2, Bell knew he likely had little chance of regaining the starting quarterback role his senior season. Leading up to the Sugar Bowl, OU coach Bob Stoops refused to publicly reveal who would start at quarterback against the Crimson Tide. Despite coming off an injury, redshirt freshman Trevor Knight not only started, he played every snap. Bell never entered the game.

Bell had the better passing numbers during the regular season, completing 60.1 percent of his passes for 1,648 yards, 12 touchdowns, five interceptions and an acceptable quarterback rating of 132.2. Knight countered with 47 completions and a completion percentage of 52.2 during the regular season.

On this magical night, however, Knight played out of his gourd. He completed a Sugar Bowl-record 32 passes in 44 attempts for 348 yards, four touchdowns and one interception against almighty Alabama, the two-time defending national champions who had claimed three of the last four FBS titles.

Despite being 16½-point underdogs, the largest projected losing margin in the program’s postseason history, the Sooners were triumphant in the heart of SEC territory while riding atop the suddenly broad shoulders of Knight.

This was great news for Knight, but it also meant the captivating “Belldozer” jumbo package was likely headed for storage. However, had it not been for Bell’s Bedlam heroics in Stillwater four weeks prior, the Sooners wouldn’t have even been invited to the Sugar Bowl.

In the season finale at Oklahoma State, with an injured Knight sidelined in the second half and seldom-used backup Kendal Thompson throwing an INT to open the third quarter, Bell played quarterback the entire fourth quarter and led OU to a comeback victory to qualify for a BCS bowl.

SEE BELL'S FINAL BEDLAM APPEARANCE

Because of a returned allotment of Oklahoma State tickets, you have a chance to see Blake Bell play in his final Bedlam game, Saturday.

Fans can now purchase tickets online or by calling the OU Ticket Office at (800) 456-GoOU.

With the Sooners trailing 24-20 and 1:46 remaining in the game, Bell directed a 66-yard, eight-play, game-winning drive capped by a perfectly thrown seven-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jalen Saunders in the right corner of the end zone to give OU a 27-24 lead with :19 remaining. (Sooners linebacker Eric Striker’s fumble recovery for a touchdown on the final play set the final margin at 33-24.)

Alas, there would be no curtain call at the Sugar Bowl for the undeniably affable Bell, who wondered what his future held in Norman.

Bell had one season of athletic eligibility remaining after earning his bachelor’s degree in communications that May. If he wanted to transfer to another major college program, Bell immediately would be eligible if he enrolled in a graduate program not offered at OU. (Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson took this route by playing his first three seasons at North Carolina State, then one season at Wisconsin.)

“Trevor had a phenomenal game and I knew they (OU’s offensive coaches) were leaning in that direction,” Bell confessed. “Would I go someplace else and play quarterback since I would be graduating? I didn’t know, so I talked with my dad and mom.”

Blake and his father, Mark, said no other schools were specifically discussed as potential destinations. “We never let it get that far,” Mark said.

Blake knew he wanted to play football at Oklahoma, but not as a backup quarterback. “The grass isn’t always greener on the other side,” Blake said of switching schools. “I just thought it would be best for me to stay here.”

THERE AND BACK AGAIN

So Blake decided to relocate from quarterback to tight end, and the idea of moving came to him in a dream. No, seriously.

“I basically knew what I wanted to do,” Blake said. “It was weird, but sometimes I’d tell my dad I would have dreams of playing tight end and catching balls. I talked to all the (OU) coaches and they thought it was a great idea. Just how excited they were about having me stay and play tight end really kind of sealed it (the decision) up for me. That and all my family support.”

At 6-foot-6 and 259 pounds, having the physique of the prototypical NFL tight end also swayed Blake in that direction. The fact he already knew OU’s passing routes and where potential holes might occur in defensive coverages helped ease the transition. He also was no stranger to being a receiver.

During Blake’s sophomore year at Bishop Carroll High School in Wichita, Kan., his team already had two senior quarterbacks and having seniority carried weight within the program. Blake didn’t really care where he played, so he auditioned at wide receiver in a spread offense. “I was 6-6 back then, too, but I was a pencil. I weighed maybe 200 pounds,” said a smiling Blake, who wound up as the second-leading receiver on a team that advanced to that year’s state championship game.

Blake relocated back to quarterback for his junior and senior seasons at Bishop Carroll and signed with the Sooners rated as a five-star recruit by Scout.com, a four-star by ESPN and Rivals.com and the nation’s No. 1 pro-style quarterback by Tom Lemming’s MaxPreps.

After redshirting his true freshman year at OU, the “Belldozer” short-yardage package was unveiled at Kansas State on Oct. 29, 2011, and its impact was immediate. For the remainder of the season, 26 of Bell’s 44 carries resulted in either a first down (13) or touchdown (13). As a redshirt sophomore in 2012, Blake added 11 more touchdown runs, including a four-yard keeper with :04 left in regulation that sent Bedlam into overtime in the Sooners’ 51-48 victory on Owen Field.

Teammates gleefully shared in the Belldozer phenomenon. “I am honored to be part of the last line that used the Belldozer package,” departed OU All-America center Gabe Ikard said with pride. “That was a lineman's dream. Everyone in the stadium knew we were running the ball and it didn't matter. The success we had with that package is pretty impressive if you think about it. The Belldozer will forever be remembered at the University of Oklahoma. The fans will remember him (Blake) for his touchdown runs, the celebration, and his Bedlam moments. His teammates will remember him because he was just a fun guy to be around.”

Blake lost the starting quarterback role at the outset of the 2013 season. Knight started the first two games and the last three games, while Blake started the eight games between. Blake’s most memorable start came Sept. 28 at venerable Notre Dame Stadium, where the Sooners posted a 35-21 victory over the Fighting Irish, marking the first time that Oklahoma defeated Notre Dame since 1956. Blake had the most complete game of his career, completing 22 of 30 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns and also rushing for 59 yards.

His performance still resonates throughout the entire Bell family, who is devoutly Catholic. “For Blake to get to play there with that crowd and that tradition and him starting quarterback,” Mark said, his voice tailing off. “That was a dream come true, right there.”

"That was a lineman's dream. Everyone in the stadium knew we were running the ball and it didn't matter."
Former teammate Gabe Ikard

Mark laughed when asked if his wife, Sherry, has since become more relaxed with their son’s position change. “It’s definitely less stress playing tight end than playing quarterback,” Mark said. “She’s a lot better with Blake playing tight end. She’s a lot more relaxed. It’s night and day.”

Mark admitted his family has felt sympathy pains this season for Knight and backup Cody Thomas, who have experienced some inconsistency at times this season. “We feel their pain a little bit,” Mark said. “We know what they’re going through.”

Knight has missed the last three starts after suffering an injury in the fourth quarter of the 48-14 loss to Baylor on Nov. 8 and was replaced by Thomas.

At no time this season, not even in dire circumstances, has Blake had an overwhelming desire to return to quarterback. After making the switch, Blake certainly had football advice coming from multiple directions.

Mark Bell was a standout tight end at Colorado State who was drafted in the fourth round of the 1979 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks and played five seasons. Twin brother Mike Bell, who is five minutes older, was a consensus All-American at defensive end at CSU, was the No. 2 overall pick in the 1979 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs and played all 12 seasons with the Chiefs. Blake’s younger brother Brock, who has been his roommate in Norman, played college football at Emporia State.

“It’s funny,” Blake said, “my dad would always call and give me tips on being a tight end and my uncle would give me tips on what the defensive guy was thinking, too. Everyone in the whole family gives me good stuff, good advice.”

Mark was stunned when informed Blake said he thought tight end might be his more natural position. “If I could go back, I’d play more tight end,” Blake said. “I feel like it’s the position that’s best for me. It fits me well.”

Coming to a Close

Blake’s emotional, five-year rollercoaster ride is about to end. Through it all, he has remained a sentimental favorite of teammates, friends and fans.

“There’s always some lows,” Blake said of his tumultuous career. “Anytime you’re a quarterback here and you lose, obviously it’s not what you want. People are looking at you thinking, ‘Maybe he’s not the guy,’ or something like that. Yeah, I had some downs, but I had a lot more ups.”

Ikard knows Blake better than any other OU teammate, past or present. “Blake moving to tight end was a good decision by him,” Ikard said. “It took maturity to make the move, but I think it's working out in his favor. He has shown his ability and potential this year. With his work ethic and talent, he will get his chance at the next level.”

Ikard isn’t alone when it comes to believing Blake has a shot to become an NFL tight end. “Definitely,” Striker said. “Blake is the perfect tight end. He runs good routes. He’s got good hands. He had some crazy catches this year. I think he’ll be successful at the next level.”

"Blake is the perfect tight end. He runs good routes. He’s got good hands. He had some crazy catches this year."
LB Eric Striker

Wilson said he thought Blake’s biggest hurdle at tight end would be his overall aggression. “I thought the toughest thing he would have to do would be his mentality change from quarterback to tight end,” Wilson said. “You’d be blocking linebackers. You’d have to be a little bit more vicious, a little bit more nasty. He didn’t have a problem with it. He caught on real well.”

Though Blake turned his teammates’ heads with acrobatic catches this season – “I always knew I had the hands. When you’re always catching a snap (from center), you have to have some good hands,” Blake explained – there is more to becoming a quality tight end than having a huge pair of soft hands. Those hands also have to go into the dirt to block.

“Blake is a tough guy and has always been aggressive on the field,” Ikard said. “Blocking involves a lot of technique, but effort will make up for a lot of technique errors. Blake plays his ass off and that makes up for a lot of technique mistakes. Plus, he's got those awkwardly long arms. That helps.”

Blake’s career stats are all over the gridiron with 15 starts in 41 career games; 150 for 253 passing (.593) for 1,763 yards with a long pass of 80 yards; 12 touchdowns; six interceptions; 181 rushing attempts for 631 yards (3.5 yards-per-carry); 24 rushing touchdowns, with a long run of 55 yards; 13 catches for 154 yards; 11.8 yards-per-catch and four touchdowns.

Somewhere in all those numbers is a pro prospect. “Blake’s going to be a natural in anything as far as sports goes,” his father said. “When Blake was really small, going back to fourth grade, he made everything look easy. He’s made things look easy a lot.”

'Blake is Blake'

The 2014 season could have been emotionally draining for Blake. In addition to Blake making the position change, Ikard graduated and signed a free-agent deal with the NFL Tennessee Titans. Roommate Trey Millard also departed and was drafted in the seventh round at fullback by the San Francisco 49ers.

OU senior cornerback Julian Wilson laughed at the thought of Blake feeling alone without Ikard and Millard.

“Everybody on campus loves Blake,” Wilson said. “There is no way possible Blake could ever be lonely with all the people who love him around here. Blake is Blake. When you’re around him every day, you get to know how he is. You really can’t put Blake into words.”

Blake has never struggled for friends. “He’s a real sociable guy,” Mark said. “What you see with Blake is what he is. He’s very genuine. He’s not fake at all. I think he’s a great teammate, too. We’re really proud of Blake for being that.”

Just as he does when rushing the opposing quarterback, Striker got straight to the point when discussing Blake. “If you ain’t getting along with Blake, something’s wrong with you,” Striker said. “Funny dude. All the jokes he has are funny. His presence is really key, I think. He’s just really likeable, easy to get along with, a friendly dude.”

Even with the Belldozer in the rearview mirror, Blake seems just as popular as a first-year tight end. “Blake is one of the most personable people I know,” Ikard said. “He treats everyone well and with respect; he is the ultimate people pleaser. He has a great energy about him that makes him likable. On the field and in the locker room, he is great at combining humor and focus which makes guys respect him.”

The friendship goes deeper with Ikard.

The best part about playing college football was the relationships I form with my teammates... I am lucky to be able to call Blake one of my best friends."
Former teammate Gabe Ikard

“I obviously miss playing with him, but I miss hanging out with him more,” Ikard said. “People always think football players will remember the practices, workouts and games the most. The best part about playing college football was the relationships I form with my teammates. Those relationships are what will last for the rest of our lives. I am lucky to be able to call Blake one of my best friends. Whenever I end up getting married, that big goof will be standing on the altar with me.”

With Blake’s final Bedlam game approaching Saturday at 2:30 p.m. on Owen Field, Mark is hoping his son can complete a personal trifecta against the Cowboys. In 2011, Blake rushed for OU’s only touchdown against OSU. In 2012, he rushed for the game-tying touchdown with 0:04 left in regulation. In 2013, he threw the game-winning touchdown pass with 0:19 left. A touchdown reception on Saturday would complete the trifecta.

“Blake has had a big impact in this game and some special moments,” Stoops said of Bell’s impact in previous Bedlam outings. “Those are a couple of big moments to come in like he did and get the hard one yard when we really needed it and then the special play. (Blake) threw a perfect ball there at the end of the game when we needed him to ... he has stepped up for sure.”

Asked what he’ll miss most about Blake, senior offensive tackle Daryl Williams flashed a huge grin, lifted his massive right arm and made a tugging motion twice as if he were yanking down on an air horn pull chain. “Toot, toot,” Williams said with a laugh, “or whatever sound the Belldozer makes.”

Looking back on his five years with the Sooners, Blake smiles and shakes his head. “You just never know what’s going to happen,” he said. “If you had asked me when I came in if I would ever play tight end, I’d say absolutely not. Now that’s all I want to do is play tight end.”