Iowa traveled to Connecticut to secure a commitment from cornerback Charles Bell.
The Big Ten was constantly on Charles Bell’s thoughts. When he was communicating with coaches, considering prospective official trips, and finally deciding on a couple of them, there was always a definite Big Ten flavor.
The Oakdale (Conn.) St. Thomas More prospect will now compete in the conference after committing to Iowa.
The 6-foot-1, 170-pound Bell made the decision on his official visit, and he announced it just moments ago. Bell also made an official visit to Rutgers in early June.
The Hawkeyes made an offer to Bell on March 1 and continued to track him. Iowa attended his workout last month as part of a showcase event.
Shortly after the Hawkeyes offered, Bell told 247Sports that getting to campus was a top priority, but his schedule did not allow for a spring unofficial visit.
However, when he watched the Hawkeyes over the last several seasons, one thing jumped out.
“I know they have a great defense,” he explained at the time. “I want to get to know the school better and take a visit there just to see it.”
Here’s everything you should know about Bell, who resides in Mansfield, Massachusetts:
What Charles Bell Says About Iowa:
“They have a very good defense and send DBs to the NFL,” Bell joked. “That’s my goal.”
Who else was in the mix?
Bell received numerous offers, and Boston College, Minnesota, and Wisconsin all planned official visits for him, but his only other official visit was to Rutgers. That occurred on the first weekend of the June visitation craze. He stated that he wanted to travel to Iowa before making a decision, so he patiently waited until he arrived on campus.
Where Charles Bell Ranks As A Recruit
Bell has a 247Sports grade of 86, ranking him 14th in Connecticut and 109th nationally as a cornerback. According to the industry-generated 247Sports Composite, Bell is the No. 1,011 player in the 2025 class.
HOW CHARLES BELL FITS IN IOWA
Iowa entered the final official visit weekend of June with eight commitments, including one cornerback, all of whom were from the Midwest. The other defensive back in the class was safety Drew MacPherson from Wilmette (Ill.) Loyola Academy, but the Hawkeyes are gaining ground. Bell is now the 11th member of the class and the third to pledge in the previous two days. Iowa advanced from No. 61 to No. 55 in the 247Sports Composite team rankings. It is ranked 15th in the Big Ten.
WHAT WE THINK OF CHARLES BELL
Hudson Standish, a scouting analyst for 247Sports, shared his opinions on Bell:
“Bell owns an ideal frame for a modern boundary corner hovering around 6-foot-1 with a long and lean build,” he told me. “While we have minimal verifiable athletic information on Bell, he appears to use his length to impede wideouts at the line of scrimmage. Bell can also rapidly redirect and make sharp cuts when in man-to-man coverage, or he can read the quarterback’s eyes as a zone defender with his back to the sideline and keep his assignment sound.
“Bell represents a savvy evaluation for the Hawkeyes and the 247Sports scouting staff will keep a close eye on him during his final season of high school football.”
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