No. 1 JUCO OT has Miami Hurricanes among top choices off weekend visit, will be back for OV: “They’re up there”

Goodman (Miss.) Holmes C.C. four-star offensive lineman Markel Bell doesn’t have a set list of finalists as signing day approaches rapidly, but he knows Miami is one of his top schools following his game-day visit to Hard Rock Stadium this weekend.

Bell, the No. 4 overall junior college recruit and No. 1 junior college offensive tackle, has had Miami high on his radar for some time, but told CaneSport he’s even more interested in the Hurricanes following his first game-day trip to Miami for the Canes’ game against Virginia this weekend. Bell has felt like a major priority to head coach Mario Cristobal and his staff since the summer, and the Canes continued to aggressively woo him this weekend.

Bell plans to return to Miami for an official visit later this fall — likely in December — before signing during the Early Signing Period. He has also received substantial interest from Alabama, Oklahoma, Auburn and Ole Miss, all of whom he said are high on his radar, and he’d like to visit the Crimson Tide and Sooners later this season. He has not set visits to Alabama or Oklahoma yet.

As for the Canes? The 6-foot-9, 325-pound offensive tackle said Miami helped its standing with him this weekend.

“They’re definitely on my list, at the top of my list,” Bell said. “I don’t have an official list, but they’re up there. …The biggest thing (Miami wanted to show me on the visit) was the culture there, and how you’re not just going to be another student. It’s a family-oriented place. They really bond together.”

Miami offensive line coach Alex Mirabal and tight ends coach Cody Woodiel were also involved in Bell’s recruitment this weekend. He spent time with all three coaches this weekend, including an extended amount of time with the staff after Saturday’s game.

“I felt real comfortable, real comfortable around them,” Bell said. “Just being around (Miami’s coaches). They’ve been talking to me, hitting me up for the longest. They’ve been recruiting me really hard, and just from over the phone to in-person, I feel real comfortable.”

Bell does not have a set timeline for when he may want to commit but wants to ensure he performs his due diligence. He said he’s “letting everything play out” before he makes any decisions but is aware the Early Signing Period is less than two months away.

He plans to enroll in January.

CaneSport’s Take

Cristobal and Mirabal’s involvement in Bell’s recruitment has paid off as the Hurricanes have become an unofficial finalist for the four-star prospect, but it feels like his expected return trip to Coral Gables later this fall will play the biggest role in the Canes’ chances. If Bell does in fact return to Miami for an official visit before signing day — and the visit goes well — it would be hard for Hurricane fans not to feel optimistic about their chances. However, if Alabama, Oklahoma and Ole Miss start pushing with the same intensity as Miami, the Hurricanes could have their hands full with some serious competition.

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