COLUMBUS, Ohio – As Ohio State's recruiting class came together over the winter, there was one evaluation of the group that mattered more than any other. The Buckeyes had to see what star rating they got from safety Vonn Bell.

The Georgia defensive back, with offers throughout the SEC, liked what he saw. Throw in the comprehensive recruiting tactics from Ohio State, and Bell decided on National Signing Day he'd be heading north. Now that he's been part of OSU's preseason camp, he has an even greater understanding of why the rest of the class mattered to him.

“That's your brothers, man. You're really trying to go in a big group and make something special,” Bell said. “You're trying to make a stand and become part of that family, so it's a really big part. And I'm just proud of this class.”

With that Bell started ticking off the names of his fellow freshmen, from offensive playmakers like Dontre Wilson, Ezekiel Elliott and Jalin Marshall to defenders like Chris Worley, Eli Apple and Cam Burrows.

“You've got numerous names that are great players,” Bell said, “and I'm just proud to be part of it.”

For now, Bell has been pushing redshirt freshman Tyvis Powell at the star position, and acting like a freshman.



“He's had good periods and bad periods. That's what freshmen do, they're up and down like a roller coaster,” safeties coach Everett Withers said. “But he's a competitor. I know he loves football.”

Ohio State's coaches made it clear that they loved Bell. Just his presence in camp is a reminder of that win for the Buckeyes – snagging a five-star recruit from SEC country. And while recruiting ratings don't win national championships, that kind of victory on the recruiting trail doesn't go unnoticed, regardless of what Bell does as a Buckeye.

“They recruited their tails off, I can tell you that,” said Bell, who thought Withers and fellow assistant Stan Drayton must have visited him about twice a week near the end of the recruiting season. “I thought Coach Withers lived in my house sometimes. I'm very proud to be part of Buckeye Nation.”

That win was big. Helping the Buckeyes get 14 more victories this season would mean even more.

“We all go hard every day to compete for spots,” Bell said. “Competitive excellence, that's what Coach Meyer tells us. Challenge your brother and challenge everyone on the field every time.”