Steeldogs Assigned OS Herman Bell
Published on April 28, 2005 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Alabama Steeldogs News Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. â Does the name Herman ring a bell?
Former offensive specialist Herman Bell, a key cog in the Steeldogs' magical 2002 playoff run, will return to the team in time for this week's game at Louisville. He has spent the past two seasons playing in the Arena Football League. He will play at both wide receiver and defensive back.
"Herman Bell brings both af2 and AFL experience to our squad at a time when we really need it," Head Coach Bobby Humphrey said. "When you couple him with the receivers we already have on this team, it automatically makes our offense one of the best in the league."
Upon his assignment in 2002, Bell spent most of early part of the season behind starting OS Wayne Thomas. Through the first seven games of the season, Bell saw action in only two, catching one pass for 11 yards. The Jacksonville State-product began receiving more playing time after a strong showing against Bossier City on June 1, where he caught three passes for 51 yards and three touchdowns, in addition to scoring on a 50-yard kickoff return.
After Thomas's departure in mid-July, Bell took over as the starting OS. In his first game as a starter at Macon, Bell finished with nine catches for 105 yards three touchdowns. In the final two games of the regular season, Bell caught 16 passes for 221 yards and six touchdowns.
Bell's emergence continued as the Steeldogs marched deep into the 2002 postseason. In Birmingham's opening round playoff game at Tennessee Valley, Bell caught 11 passes for 147 yards and one score as the Steeldogs defeated the Vipers, 65-51, for the first-time in series history.
A week later at Tulsa, Bell continued to tear through opposing defenses, scoring four touchdowns on six catches as the Steeldogs defeated the No. 1-ranked Talons, 55-34.
In his career, Bell caught 59 passes for 708 yards and 14 touchdowns. In the postseason play alone, Bell has reeled in 24 passes for 282 yards and five scores.
Bell spent has since spent time with AFL teams in Detroit, Denver and Orlando.
"Herman will mean a lot to our team both on and off the field," said Scott Myers, the team's managing partner. "Coach Humphrey has always been committed to bringing quality players into the Steeldogs organization."
The Steeldogs will return home to face the South Georgia Wildcats on May 7 in their first divisional match-up of the season at the BJCC Arena. Tickets are still available and can be purchased via Ticketmaster at 205.715.6000 or at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, contact the Steeldogs Front Office at 205.458.8833 or inquire online at www.steeldogs.com.
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