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Profiles in Terpage is back for 2017. Last week, we focused on the cornerbacks; this week, we’re continuing through the secondary with Safeties Week.
Markquese Bell, S, No. 13
Height: 6’2
Weight: 208 pounds
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Bridgeton, New Jersey
High school: Bridgeton
How he got to College Park
Bell committed to Maryland during the Under Armour All-American Game, choosing the Terps over Rutgers, Clemson, Ohio State and Virginia Tech. He was the No. 6 athlete in the class of 2017 and the third-highest-rated recruit in Maryland’s freshman class, according to the 247 Sports Composite.
Besides playing defensive back in high school, Bell was a dynamic weapon on offense, playing wide receiver and quarterback. He won the South Jersey Times Offensive Player of the Year as a wide receiver during his junior season.
2017 prospectus
Bell enrolled early and was impressive in spring practice, but that doesn’t mean he’ll start this season. Starting safeties Darnell Savage and Denzel Conyers both return, and should start again unless Bell or another safety wows the coaches.
However, this doesn’t mean DJ Durkin and the staff won’t find a way to use him. At 6’2, Bell has excellent height for a defensive back and can already read defenses and disrupt routes. He also was a high jumper in high school, which means he has the athleticism to fight for deep balls.
Bell was a kick returner in high school as well, and he may return some kicks at Maryland if the coaching staff doesn’t want to risk D.J. Moore getting hurt in the return game.
Dream season
Bell’s impressive work in spring and summer practice leads to a start in Maryland’s season opener against Texas. He pulls in a few interceptions and breaks up a lot of passes, becoming one of the best safeties in the Big Ten and setting himself up for an illustrious Maryland career.
Up next
Two sophomores who are.....
Malaclemys and America’s Roundtable, Scaletta and say_al are all on the board this week.