Football Recruiting - Southeast Region: Vonn Bell
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Bold Prediction for the SEC:
Ole Miss' class will eventually be ranked in the top five nationally with the addition of No. 1 overall prospect Robert Nkemdiche from Loganville (Ga.) Grayson and possibly ESPN 150 prospects Chris Jones from Houston (Miss.) High and Antonio Conner from Batesville (Miss.) South Panola.
SEC East
Florida
Biggest need: Florida wants immediate help at defensive tackle. Jarran Reed from Scooba (Miss.) East should be able to provide that if he decides to sign with the Gators on national signing day.
Biggest recruit: The Gators have two five-star commitments: cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III from Tampa (Fla.) Wharton and running back Kelvin Taylor from Belle Glade (Fla.) Glades. No other school in the country can say that.
Georgia
Biggest need: The Bulldogs would like to pick up another top offensive lineman. They looked destined to land Laremy Tunsil from Lake City (Fla.), but the competition has heated up for him lately.
Biggest recruit: With 12 ESPN 300 commitments, Georgia has plenty of star power. However, it's impossible to overvalue the commitment of Brice Ramsey from Kingsland (Ga.) Camden, a quarterback the Bulldogs can build around.
Bold Prediction for the SEC:
Ole Miss' class will eventually be ranked in the top five nationally with the addition of No. 1 overall prospect Robert Nkemdiche from Loganville (Ga.) Grayson and possibly ESPN 150 prospects Chris Jones from Houston (Miss.) High and Antonio Conner from Batesville (Miss.) South Panola.
SEC East
Florida
Biggest need: Florida wants immediate help at defensive tackle. Jarran Reed from Scooba (Miss.) East should be able to provide that if he decides to sign with the Gators on national signing day.
Biggest recruit: The Gators have two five-star commitments: cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III from Tampa (Fla.) Wharton and running back Kelvin Taylor from Belle Glade (Fla.) Glades. No other school in the country can say that.
Georgia
Biggest need: The Bulldogs would like to pick up another top offensive lineman. They looked destined to land Laremy Tunsil from Lake City (Fla.), but the competition has heated up for him lately.
Biggest recruit: With 12 ESPN 300 commitments, Georgia has plenty of star power. However, it's impossible to overvalue the commitment of Brice Ramsey from Kingsland (Ga.) Camden, a quarterback the Bulldogs can build around.
DB Bell excited about Vols under Jones 
January, 30, 2013
Jan 30
12:21
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By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
The official visits and in-home visits are over for ESPN 150 safety Vonn Bell (Rossville, Ga./Ridgeland). Ohio State was thought to have an early lead for the 6-foot, 190-pound defensive back, then Alabama surged ahead last fall. Over the last week however, a new frontrunner might have emerged.
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After taking his official visits to Alabama, Ohio State and Tennessee, ESPN 150 safety Vonn Bell (Rossville, Ga./Ridgeland) is getting closer to choosing his future home. The 6-foot, 190-pound defensive back was thought to be leaning toward the Crimson Tide before taking his last official visit to see Tennessee, whom he has been a longtime fan of.
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Two visits down, one to go for safety Bell 
January, 21, 2013
Jan 21
9:04
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By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Vonn Bell’s official visit to Alabama over the weekend gave him and his family a chance to see the campus one more time, get their questions answered and see a side of UA head coach Nick Saban that most normally don’t see.
Ridgeland High School head coach Mark Mariakis spoke with Bell’s father on Monday to see how the official visit went.
Ridgeland High School head coach Mark Mariakis spoke with Bell’s father on Monday to see how the official visit went.
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- With 21 commitments already on board, Alabama’s recruiting class is running out of spots.
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In a span of fewer than 72 hours, ESPN 150 safety Vonn Bell (Rossville, Ga./Ridgeland) spent time with coaches from each of his three finalists. First was on his first official visit, to Ohio State.
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Coach reflects on Vonn Bell's OSU visit 
January, 13, 2013
Jan 13
3:17
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Is Ohio State still in the mix for ESPN 150 safety Vonn Bell (Rossville, Ga./Ridgeland)?
His high school coach Mark Mariakas wasted no time at all in answering that question after talking to Bell’s father, Vincent, following the four-star senior’s official visit.
His high school coach Mark Mariakas wasted no time at all in answering that question after talking to Bell’s father, Vincent, following the four-star senior’s official visit.
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Bucks get first shot at S Bell on visit 
January, 8, 2013
Jan 8
10:00
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
When Vonn Bell (Rossville, Ga./Ridgeland) announced he was planning to take official visits to Alabama, Ohio State and Tennessee shortly after his team’s state runner-up finish, BuckeyeNation said the trip to Ohio would be important.
Developments since then prove just how vital this weekend will be for the Buckeyes as they try to round out an already stellar defensive recruiting class by adding the ESPN 150 safety.
For Ohio State it really could be a case of all or nothing. Bell was very impressed with the fact Urban Meyer came to his state title game and sat with his family.
Developments since then prove just how vital this weekend will be for the Buckeyes as they try to round out an already stellar defensive recruiting class by adding the ESPN 150 safety.
For Ohio State it really could be a case of all or nothing. Bell was very impressed with the fact Urban Meyer came to his state title game and sat with his family.
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- For months, Ohio State coach Urban Meyer and his staff have made the No. 2 inside linebacker prospect in the country a recruiting priority.
Their patience paid off tonight when Trey Johnson (Lawrenceville, Ga./Central Gwinnett) committed to Ohio State during the Under Armour All-America Game, live on ESPN.
Johnson chose Ohio State over Florida and Tennessee.
A longtime Auburn Tigers commitment, Johnson happened to be returning from his official visit to Ohio State on Nov. 25 when Auburn fired coach Gene Chizik. That time on the Columbus, Ohio, campus helped the No. 2 inside linebacker get a better feel for the Buckeyes.
“When I took a visit up there it was different,” said Johnson, a starter in the UA Game. “I kind of like the feel up there, the depth chart. And there are many factors that make it a good fit there.”
The addition of Johnson gives Ohio State 20 commitments, nine of those being members of the ESPN 150, and boosts what is already the No. 4 recruiting class in the ESPN rankings.
Johnson, who made 140 tackles, three sacks, and one interception as a senior, is the first linebacker commitment for the Buckeyes in the 2013 class. They are still working to add linebacker and ESPN 150 prospect Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian Academy), and are in the mix for another standout in the Peach State, Under Armour All-American safety Vonn Bell (Rossville, Ga./Ridgeland).
Buckeyes, Tide or Vols for DB Vonn Bell 
December, 30, 2012
12/30/12
7:34
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By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Not much has changed in the last few months regarding the recruitment of ESPN 150 defensive back Vonn Bell (Rossville, Ga./Ridgeland). The 6-foot, 190-pound safety has never mentioned leaders or a concrete decision date, and with the final recruiting weeks on the horizon, his stance remains the same.
“I am going to take these officials and go from there,” Bell said while at Under Armour All-America Game registration today at Disney's Yacht Club Resort. “No one is standing out among those three right now.”
The officials -- Ohio State on Jan. 11, Alabama on Jan. 18 and to Tennessee on Jan. 25 -- will likely play a big role in his decision.
“I am going to take these officials and go from there,” Bell said while at Under Armour All-America Game registration today at Disney's Yacht Club Resort. “No one is standing out among those three right now.”
The officials -- Ohio State on Jan. 11, Alabama on Jan. 18 and to Tennessee on Jan. 25 -- will likely play a big role in his decision.
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#BlueChipBattles: Dec. 21
December, 21, 2012
12/21/12
5:29
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By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
ESPN.comReuben Foster (center) is torn between good friends Dee Liner (left) and Tray Matthews (right).No. 1 ILB Reuben Foster has voiced his desire to play with at least one of his SEC-bound friends next season. But will he follow Tray Matthews to Georgia or hook up with Dee Liner wherever the ESPN 150 DL settles? It remains to be seen, but the mystery surrounding his recruitment keeps Foster at the top of our #BlueChipBattles.
Each week, RecruitingNation summons its writers from around the country to compile a list of the top 10 battles for elite football recruits leading up to February's signing day.
Here are this week's top battles
ESPN 150 DB Vonn Bell sets officials 
December, 17, 2012
12/17/12
10:10
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By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
Three schools are still in the running for ESPN 150 defensive back Vonn Bell (Ooltewah, Tenn./Ridgeland), and according to Ridgeland head coach Mark Mariakas, each program will have a chance to host the 6-foot, 190-pound safety next month following the Under Armour All-America Game.
"He's taking visits to all three schools in January," Mariakas said. "Ohio State on Jan. 11, Alabama on Jan. 18, and Tennessee on Jan. 25. That is the plan as of this afternoon."
"He's taking visits to all three schools in January," Mariakas said. "Ohio State on Jan. 11, Alabama on Jan. 18, and Tennessee on Jan. 25. That is the plan as of this afternoon."
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Top recruits abound at Ga. state finals 
December, 13, 2012
12/13/12
9:57
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By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
There will be no shortage of talent, or college coaches, on the field at the Georgia Dome this weekend, as the GHSA football state championships are set to take place. All seven games will be broadcast live on Georgia Public Broadcasting TV, as well as streaming online at gpb.org/sports. Here are some prospects to keep an eye on in each of the seven matchups.
Prince Avenue (11-2) vs. ELCA (12-1): Class A Private, Friday, 2:30 p.m.
The top prospect in the opening matchup of the weekend is ESPN 150 defensive end Isaac Rochell. He committed to Notre Dame over 20 other offers back in June. His teammate, running back Keyante Green, is a ESPN 300 prospect who committed to Purdue during the summer after being previously committed to UCLA. Eagles Landing Christian Academy has two ESPN 2014 Watch List selections to keep an eye on as well in defensive end Andrew Williams and quarterback/athlete Dalton Etheridge. Williams, whose brother Anthony plays defensive end at Georgia Tech, looks to follow Rochell’s path as one of the most coveted prospects in Georgia.
Prince Avenue (11-2) vs. ELCA (12-1): Class A Private, Friday, 2:30 p.m.
The top prospect in the opening matchup of the weekend is ESPN 150 defensive end Isaac Rochell. He committed to Notre Dame over 20 other offers back in June. His teammate, running back Keyante Green, is a ESPN 300 prospect who committed to Purdue during the summer after being previously committed to UCLA. Eagles Landing Christian Academy has two ESPN 2014 Watch List selections to keep an eye on as well in defensive end Andrew Williams and quarterback/athlete Dalton Etheridge. Williams, whose brother Anthony plays defensive end at Georgia Tech, looks to follow Rochell’s path as one of the most coveted prospects in Georgia.
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Technique the difference for Vonn Bell 
October, 28, 2012
10/28/12
11:31
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By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
Vonn Bell took the weekend off. Sort of.
Sure, the ESPN 150 prospect helped lead Rossville (Ga.) Ridgeland to a 35-20 win over Whitfield (Ga.) Northwest, but he put recruiting on hold as he decided to stay home for the weekend and not visit any colleges. He has maintained his top three schools are Alabama, Ohio State and Tennessee after visiting Knoxville last weekend.
Bell's athleticism is obvious. However, his attention to detail is what sets him apart from most prospects, according to his head coach Mark Mariakis.
Sure, the ESPN 150 prospect helped lead Rossville (Ga.) Ridgeland to a 35-20 win over Whitfield (Ga.) Northwest, but he put recruiting on hold as he decided to stay home for the weekend and not visit any colleges. He has maintained his top three schools are Alabama, Ohio State and Tennessee after visiting Knoxville last weekend.
Bell's athleticism is obvious. However, his attention to detail is what sets him apart from most prospects, according to his head coach Mark Mariakis.
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Vonn Bell maintains top 3 after UT visit 
October, 22, 2012
10/22/12
8:32
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By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
At 3-4 overall and 0-4 in the SEC, the Volunteers are not having the 2012 season that Tennessee's coaches, players or fans were hoping for. But in the world of recruiting, one strong class can make all the difference in turning a program around.
Derek Dooley is hoping to make ESPN 150 defensive back Vonn Bell (Rossville, Ga./Ridgeland) an integral building block for the future, and he spent time with the 6-foot, 190-pound senior during an unofficial visit to Knoxville on Saturday.
"I spoke to Coach [Derek] Dooley and the rest of the staff, and they just reiterated that they really need defensive backs," Bell said. "They made sure to let me know how important I am to the program and where they are trying to get to. The conversations were very normal."
Derek Dooley is hoping to make ESPN 150 defensive back Vonn Bell (Rossville, Ga./Ridgeland) an integral building block for the future, and he spent time with the 6-foot, 190-pound senior during an unofficial visit to Knoxville on Saturday.
"I spoke to Coach [Derek] Dooley and the rest of the staff, and they just reiterated that they really need defensive backs," Bell said. "They made sure to let me know how important I am to the program and where they are trying to get to. The conversations were very normal."
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The Southeast Region consists of the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee and is home to some of the nation's most talented football recruits each recruiting cycle.