Bielema's focus on academics impresses

Junction City's Jamario Bell tries to shake the tackle of Dierks Andrew Sirmon during the first half of the second round 2A state playoffs at Paul Muse Field in Junction City on Friday, Nov. 16, 2012.

Junction City junior defensive end and tight end Jamario Bell worked on both sides of the ball at Arkansas' camp on Sunday and Monday.

"It was good, I learned a lot of things," Bell said. "I learned blocking techniques that I really needed to learn and to use my hands a lot more. The defensive side of the ball ,Coach Partridge is a great guy to be around. He taught me a lot of pass rushing moves and some rush stop moves too ."

Bell, 6-6, 235, 4.7 seconds in the 40 yard dash, was given a scholarship offer from Arkansas about a week and half a ago. He was named to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Super Sophomore team after recording 81 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 5 sacks. He also had 15 receptions for 249 yards and 4 touchdowns last year to help the Dragons capture the Class 2A state title.

"Everybody were easy to get along with and coach (Bret) Bielema is a great guy too," Bell said. "I really like coach Bielema. I really like Arkansas."

Bell and his mother, Helen met with Bielema and learned what life as a Razorback would be like.

"He talked about my future if I became a Hog," Bell said. "What it would be like and how he's make me a better young man and how it's going to be in school. He said he wants me to graduate more than anything and would make sure I get my education."

Bell, who's drawing interest from Alabama, Ole Miss, LSU, Auburn, Florida State and Arkansas State, admits he's thought of committing to the Hogs several times.

"I thought about pulling the trigger five or six times," said Bell, who plays for the 16-under Arkansas Wings during the spring and summer. "But I'm just waiting and putting it in God's hand and just waiting for him to tell me to commit."

His mother is focused on education and liked what she heard from the Hogs.

"She said she's really liking Arkansas because they're really high on academic," Bell said. "Because Bielema is really high on academics, guys going to class and being on time for class and being there for study hall. She really likes coach Bielema and she likes Arkansas and the coaching staff."

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