Detroit Lions Joique Bell: Ready For Opportunity in 2012

People around Detroit, Michigan know the name Joique Bell the former Wayne State running back. Outside of a few area codes near where the Detroit Lions call home most are not familiar with Bell and what type of player he is or can be. His final season at Wayne State in 2009, Bell rushed for an astonishing 2,084 yards and 29 touchdowns on his way to earning the Harlin Hill Trophy, awarded to the Division II player of the year.

            Some other perks of winning that was Bell was able to play in the prestigious Senior Bowl and perform at the NFL Scouting Combine which helped him gain priceless exposure to NFL scouts and coaches that likely otherwise he would have never had.

            Since signing with the Buffalo Bills after the NFL Draft as a college free agent, Bell has been with six total teams in two years and finally this summer, his name was place on the 53-man roster of the Detroit Lions. During this preseason the Lions gave Bell a heavy doze of carries (38) that saw him rush for 158 yards with two runs over twenty. Let’s not kid ourselves the Lions could use a guy like Bell since the rotation of Jahvid Best and Mikel Leshoure hasn’t materialized. So you say I’m nuts – How about the following undrafted running backs just like Bell who just needed a shot; Arian Foster, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Legarette Blount, Fred Jackson and Mike Tolbert all players like Bell who given their shot made the most of it, hopefully he is the next big name undrafted running back to prove he is worthy of playing in the National Football League.