Victory Bell: Cedar Rapids Jefferson’s Kyler Bell has thrived in expanded role

CEDAR RAPIDS — Cedar Rapids Jefferson's Kyler Bell remembers his offseason conversation with head coach Brian Webb.

In that talk just two weeks after last season, Bell learned he could play a bigger role in the J-Hawk offense his senior season. He welcomed the change after just four catches a year ago.

'Coach Webb talked to me about the changes we were going to make on offense and he wanted me to play more slot,' Bell said. 'That's when I knew. We did 7-on-7 stuff this summer and I was a main target.

'When he told me he'd be giving me the ball more, I was really excited.'

Bell has made an impact on the Jefferson offense, providing a big-play threat highlighted in both of the J-Hawks' victories this season. He has the potential for another solid performance when Jefferson (2-4, 1-1) hosts Waterloo East (2-4, 0-2) on Thursday night at Kingston Stadium.

Bell is producing one of the school's best receiving seasons. He has 530 yards on 25 catches, including four touchdowns. Even more impressive, he's averaging 21.2 yards per reception.

'He's been lights out this year,' Webb said. 'Besides Valentino Green a couple years ago, he might be the best football player we've had come through since I've been here.'

As complimentary as Webb is now, he admits coaches may have overlooked how talented he was leading to just 49 receiving yards last season. They corrected that during offseason discussions, identifying Bell as one of the best returning players.

'From junior to senior, you just never know how they're going to progress until you see them there in practice,' Webb said. 'When the summer started, it was evident he could do a lot of special things. We had the summer time to plan and look at ways we could get him in open space to get him the ball.'

Bell immediately turned his attention to becoming faster and stronger. He gained about 15 pounds from a year ago without losing his speed, weighing in now at 162.

'Our weight program is really good and I stayed in the weight room all summer,' Bell said. 'My maxes and my vertical (jump) went up.'

The J-Hawks depend on Bell's versatility. The 6-foot-1 honorable mention all-district selection has done a little of everything for the J-Hawks. Outside of his receiving duties, Bell is a starting defensive back, punts, returns punts and kicks, has a touchback in five kickoffs and is 2-for-2 in point-after attempts. Bell has averaged 41 yards over 29 punts with a long of 62 yards.

'He's just a great athlete,' Webb said. 'He's so natural and effortless in what he does, whether that's punting or kicking the ball. He's somebody we've relied on to make big plays when we have to have them made.'

Bell is willing to do anything for the team's success. He rarely comes off the field and he doesn't mind.

'It's good,' said Bell, noting he prefers offense and hauling in passes from quarterback Noah Vawter. 'I like playing. I like the challenge. I like doing everything I can to help us win.'

Bell's playmaking ability shined in the J-Hawks' victories. He has proved to score from anywhere on the field. In a 27-20 victory over Linn-Mar, he scored on a 91-yard pass play and added a 54-yard screen pass TD on the final play of the first half.

Jefferson defeated Waterloo West, 21-17, last week in a crucial Class 4A District 5 game. Bell had 116 receiving yards on eight catches, converting multiple third-down plays. He even picked off a pass and returned it 70 yards for a TD when West threatened to take a 14-0 lead.

'If you watch him in games, the more critical the situation and more pressure he rises to that occasion,' Webb said. 'He loves pressure. He wants the football in key situations.'

Bell has earned the respect of his teammates and classmates, according to his coaches. He is a member of Jefferson's homecoming court that will be recognized at halftime Thursday.

'He's a talented young man,' Webb said. 'He's very smart. He's a great kid. I'm so glad he's on our team.'

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