Antonio Bell

Published Feb. 7, 2008 in the Omaha World-Herald

Did you know?

Former Mainland linebacker Buster Davis questioned his decision of Florida State over Nebraska even after his redshirt year at FSU in 2002. Davis then settled in nicely in Tallahassee. He's now with the Detroit Lions.

Coachspeak

"He's a big play guy, the whole package, I think. As a receiver, he has enough height. He's lanky. He has great hands, so he's a possession, short-pass guy. But his ability to go deep makes Antonio one of those guys who can do it all." -- John Maronto, Mainland High coach

The gurus say

Bell flew under the radar, ranked No. 111 among receivers by scout.com, but not ranked by rivals.com.

About Bell

Bell had a scholarship to Tennessee. Then he didn't. He plays in a talent-rich state, made first-team all-area and will leave Mainland High as the most prolific receiver in school history. Yet two weeks before signing day, he didn't have a scholarship. Perhaps NU got a late steal here, or maybe those Florida programs know something about him that the Huskers don't. In the end, he picked Nebraska over West Virginia and Florida International after catching 45 balls for 772 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior, giving NU at least one Florida commit in each of the past seven years.

Our take

Looks like Nebraska took a calculated risk with Bell, who has yet to qualify academically. In this case, it's probably a good gamble, since the Huskers need receivers with size, and he's proven his worth in an aerial-based offense. The Florida pedigree can't hurt.