Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

UNLV

92 B.J. Bell

B.J. Bell
  • Defensive end
  • Grade: Senior
  • Height: 6′2″
  • Weight: 260 lbs
UNLV: The squad's leading returning tackler from a year ago ... Started all 13 games at defensive end and is listed as a co-starter at one spot heading into his final season ... 2009 three-star recruit that was ranked the No. 45 Junior College prospect in the nation according to Rivals ... A 2008 J.C. Gridwire First Team All-American, B.J. is the third Bell brother to play with the Rebels and looks to have a bigger impact pressuring the quarterback as a senior ... Along with former UNLV great Ryan Wolfe, Bell in 2009 appeared on ESPN's NFL Countdown in a video spoof learning how to dance from Justin Timberlake. The segment was hosted and produced in Las Vegas by ESPN personality Kenny Mayne, himself a former UNLV player.

2010: Earned his first letter as a Rebel by starting all 13 games ... Finished fifth on team with 51 total tackles, including 3.5 for loss ... Twice posted a season-high eight tackles (vs. UNR and Air Force) ... Picked up a fumble vs. New Mexico and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown in the victory over the Lobos.

2009: Granted a medical redshirt season after a shoulder injury ended his year in September ... Played only on special teams in first four games ... Chose UNLV over offers from Kansas, San Diego State and Marshall.

SANTA ANA: Turned in two dominating seasons at the junior college in California ... As a sophomore recorded 72 tackles, including a stunning 24.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2006 graduate of Tustin HS in Tustin, CA ... Lettered twice for the Tillers under coach Miron Miller ... Helped his team to the CIF semifinals during his senior season ... Played on both sides of the ball ... Also lettered in lacrosse as a senior and track during his junior year.

PERSONAL: Brian "B.J." Bell was born on July 8, 1987, in Orange, CA. ... The son of Joanne Wilson and Brian Bell ... Has two older brothers, Zach and Beau ... Is following in his brothers' footsteps as both Zach (2001-04) and Beau (2004-07) played linebacker for the Rebels ... Beau Bell, who was the 2007 MWC Defensive Player of the Year, was a fourth round NFL Draft choice by the Cleveland Browns in 2008 and currently plays in the Arena Football League with the Spokane Shock ... Majoring in interdisciplinary studies.

--Courtesy of UNLVRebels.com