Top recruit
Dorian Bell, outside linebacker
Gateway HS (Monroeville, Pa.)
Verbal commitment: Ohio State
Gateway High School produced a good linebacker last year in No. 8 inside 'backer Shayne Hale (Monroeville, Pa./Gateway), but it one-upped itself in 2009 with Bell. When we first evaluated him last spring, we were in awe of his speed and explosiveness, but his size was a bit of a concern, particularly for his intense style of play. Fast forward six months later, and Bell is tipping the scales at a rock-solid 220 pounds and is just as fast and disruptive.
While he still has some room for added bulk and strength to improve his shedding, Bell is pretty close to the complete package as an outside linebacker prospect. The future Buckeye has great range, closing speed and change of direction skill when pursuing in space. Between the tackles, Bell shows equally impressive foot-quickness and agility sidestepping the trash. His excellent blitzing and coverage skills add to his impressive, well-rounded resume on defense.
"Dorian's strengths are his speed, athleticism and physical nature," said Gateway High School head coach Terry Smith. "He combines the rare ability to be physical enough to play with the interior lineman while fast and athletic enough to cover wide receivers. He's also got a great feel for finding the football."
There is no letdown in his mental game either, Bell is fierce competitor who plays with a very high motor. Fast and physical is the only way he knows how to play the game, but at times that intensity can lead to him overrunning plays.
"If there is a weakness, he needs to slow down a little to not over-pursue to the football," said Smith. "He is fast enough to get to the ball but has to protect cutback alleys better."