Oklahoma football: Blake Bell taking practice reps as a quarterback
By Joe Buettner
It appears new tight end Blake Bell has taken limited reps as a quarterback in OU practice. As reported Thursday night, the Belldozer may be an option at QB for the Sooners.
Bell as the back-up would not be a bad option if Trevor Knight suffered an injury this year. Knight didn’t play all of 2013, but his postseason performance was enough to land him the starting job.
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Though, is it at all possible Blake Bell could compete again as a quarterback?
Probably not.
This entire off-season, the coaches have raved about Bell’s progress in his new position. The Sooners are thinner than they expected at quarterback, but let’s not re-open the Knight vs. Bell debate.
It was reported Bell took snaps against the second team defense, which makes sense when you think about it.
Blake Bell is a seasoned veteran at Oklahoma, and he is one of the team’s senior leaders. He has plenty of in-game experience and he sealed the deal for Oklahoma on multiple occasions.
There’s no reason why the coaches wouldn’t want to challenge their reserves with a player like Blake Bell in the backfield.
He’s not that far removed from his old job, so why not try to sling it on a few defensive backs seeking playing time this season?
Oklahoma is thin at receiver as well. It would make sense if the coaches wanted the new wideouts to get hands-on experience with a player that’s been a fixture at Oklahoma for the past three seasons.
Over the summer, Sooners head coach Bob Stoops made it clear that Blake Bell was a tight end and the coaches would not look to move him back to quarterback.
Oklahoma is still awaiting the NCAA’s decision on transfer Baker Mayfield. If Mayfield’s eligibility is not granted, then it would seem more likely for Bell to spend more time as a quarterback in practice and/or on Saturdays.
The Sooners are eight days away from kick-off against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. Tell me, are people buying in to nothing or do you think Bell will be another option at quarterback.
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