The Hillsborough Terriers have had a tradition of great skill players, and 2016 is no different. USF commit Duran Bell is a fantastic athlete, whether it be on the field or on the track, and he’s ready for a huge senior season. BCP caught up with Bell for a two-part series about Bell’s commitment to staying healthy after an injury derailed him last season and all about his love for Hillsborough High.
BCP: Obviously, some issues that kept you off the field in staying healthy last year, how do you feel about yourself right now?
DB: “I feel way, way better than I did than this time last year. I didn’t even make it through last year’s first game. I’ve prepared myself to make sure I get rid of those ankle injuries. I was really grateful to get myself through that first game.”
BCP: Two big wins in a blowout fashion against East Bay and against a Durant team that a lot have pegged to be a good team. Both of them, you did pretty good. What’s the plan for Plant next week?
DB: “It’s the same thing no matter who we’re playing. We just gotta come through an execute. If we come together and do what we know we can do, make sure everybody’s got their assignments down, we’ll have a good chance. Even though they’re coming off that road trip, I really think they’re going to come out rested up, they’ll have a full week to prepare. We’ll be ready for them though.”
BCP: What’s the biggest thing that you have to do to keep yourself healthy?
DB: “Mainly, I’ve been working on my lower body this summer. That was where the issues were last year, so I’m just trying to keep it as strong as possible. If I keep the lower body healthy, I’ll have a really good season. I haven’t been doing as much upper body as I’ve liked to do, but I still feel pretty good.”
BCP: A track season that you’re going to remember for a long time, going a long way, but on the flip side, what is the toll that that track has taken on your body? Or, what’s it ultimately done for you?
DB: “I feel like it has both helped me and taken a toll. It’s been good because of the stamina and strength training from running so many events, but I really wanted to gain some weight over the spring, but I just couldn’t because of track season.”
BCP: USF, a team on the rise, is not just going to take anyone to play a skill position, especially at S or RB, especially after the quality guys in Jamie Byrd and Marlon Mack. What do you think set you apart from the other guys they liked?
DB: Track season. Track season really set me apart. When you’ve been working as hard as I was and running a 47.6 400-meter on the track, colleges are going to see that, and that set me apart. Especially as a running back, USF saw that I could run with speed, stamina, and strength. That’s ultimately what they’re looking for in a running back.