By Bill Kurelic, NN Recruiting Analyst

bkurelic@nittanynetwork.com

Jan. 7, 2009

LeVeon Bell from Madison High in Groveport, Ohio, is one of the top junior running backs in the state.  Bell combines size with decent speed and an elusive running style that reminds some of former Ohio State and Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George.

The 6-foot-2 and 215-pound Bell rushed for 789 yards his sophomore year.  Bell rushed for 1,100 yards and scored 12 times during his junior season.

Bell is drawing interest from Big Ten schools and others.

“The schools that are showing the most interest are probably Cincinnati, Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin and West Virginia,” Bell said. 

Bell attended three Ohio State games, two Cincinnati games and a game at West Virginia this season.

“I haven’t been to Wisconsin or Penn State,” he said.  “But I’ll get to those two.” 

Though Bell has not yet visited Penn State, he has seen the Nittany Lions play on television and in person.  One of the Ohio State games he attended was when Penn State invaded the Horseshoe and emerged victorious in late October.

“I get a lot of mail from Penn State,” Bell said.  “I like their football program.  I like their academics.  I might go to their camp next summer.”

Bell, who is just 16 years old, is a strong all-around athlete.  He is also on the Groveport Madison basketball and track teams.  Bell high jumped 6’4” as a sophomore and is one of the top players on the basketball team.