Bear Insider Video: Cal OT Leon Bell

Cal portal transfer offensive tackle Leon Bell‍ was one of a big group of portal and prep offensive linmen to join the Bears in the offseason, transferring from Mississippi State after sitting out the last 10 games of the season after starting in game two vs. Arizona State.

The 6-8/315 redshirt junior was originally a 3 star prep recruit out of Alvin, Texas with offers from SMU, BYU and more. 

"Going from Texas to Mississippi, it was great because I came from junior college," Bell said. “I went to Kilroy Junior College. It was new. It was a good learning experience playing in the SEC. It taught me a lot of ball and just just a lot of good learning experiences on through the way."

Also holding offers from Louisville, Illinois, Kansas and more, the appeal Cal had for Bell reached beyond the gridiron to help him decide on becoming a Bear.

"The different opportunities here, there's a lot of business on the business side, opportunities and a great way to boost my knowledge. And it's somewhere new, I wanted to see something new."

Cal’s Life After Ball presentation was also impactful on the future Bear.

"My dad owned his own company,” Bell said. “And I just want to see the different ways I can help my family make some some great money."

The Bears got an assist from one of new offensive line coach Famika Anae’s prior New Mexico State lineman helping get Cal on the radar for the new OT.

"One of my old Juco buddies, he told me about him (Anae)," Bell noted. "They went to New Mexico together. He told me he was a great coach and I've built a great relationship with him. I love him because he holds me accountable. He wants me to be great. He thinks I have a chance to make it to the next level. And he's a great coach."

The redshirt junior has enjoyed getting to know his new teammates in his first six weeks in the program.

"I know Jordan Moco," Bell said. "He came from Charlotte, Played at A&M, I know Lamar (Robinson). I went on the visit with him. Great guy, Akili (Calhoun), great guy. Transitioning from D line to O line. He's trying to see how the O-line is. And I'm still getting to know a little bit of the other guy's name. I'm bad with names, but we're getting to know each other. We getting a great bond."

Bell’s been adjusting well to Cal’s strength and conditioning program so far under new S&C coach Jason Novak.

"Great," Bell said of his experience working with Novak and the Cal S&C program so far. "He's helping me get my feet  under me, and he's trying to get us very explosive. He's getting making us, obviously, stronger. He's a great strength coach."

Stay tuned for more from Cal’s new additions in days to come.