Gattis: Ronnie Bell 'Just Scratching The Surface' Talent-Wise
While it's clear that Michigan's wide receiver room is undergoing a shakeup without Donovan Peoples-Jones, Tarik Black and possibly Nico Collins heading into the 2020 season, it would be inaccurate to suggest that U-M won't have a strong passing game this season.
Despite battling those players for targets, Ronnie Bell emerged as one of the bright spots in Michigan's offense last year, and his nine-catch, 150-yard outing against Michigan State may have been his coming out party.
Now with another offseason of development under his belt, the junior pass catcher is ready to take the next step-- not just for himself but for his fellow receivers as well.
"Ronnie is that guy that sets the tone in practice because he practices so hard," Michigan offensive coordinator Josh Gattis said on Wednesday. "Just being able to have a guy that has played a ton of football. He understands things. Ronnie is motivated."
As a whole, Bell logged 48 receptions for 758 yards (both of which were team-highs for Michigan) while recording one touchdown a year ago.
"Even though, for what a lot of people view as success for Ronnie last year, Ronnie believes and he knows that last year was just scratching the surface," Gattis said. "There was opportunities to be even better, so now it’s about how we can take his game from one year and develop it the next year to make it even better."
That's precisely what Bell has been focused on over the offseason as he's worked tirelessly with quarterback Joe Milton since April. Over that timespan, the two have increased their connection and chemistry, which hopefully pays dividends for the Wolverines this fall.
"Being able to have him around in that room and having that leadership, as well as his playmaking ability," Gattis said. "He’s another guy that’s created a ton of explosive plays for us with ball in hand type plays. We’re really excited about being able to take his game and make that jump in his third year. He didn’t really play a ton of football his first year. Now, getting more comfortable being a receiver, being able to develop him has been fun."
Part of that fun is utilizing Bell's talent in different ways, which is something that should materialize on the field this season.
"I definitely think this year I'll move around more than what I did last year," Bell said. "I'm just, of course losing all those guys sucks as well. Those guys are all great guys as well. I'm just ready for whatever and however coach needs me to be wherever I need to be. That's the role I'm going to attack. That slot, outside, both or whatever you want. That's just how I'm going to prepare."
Now a veteran in the locker room, Bell has witnessed what it takes to be successful. Last year, both Bell and Collins were key elements to Michigan's passing game, but they were able to seize that playing time by taking a serious approach in their training.
"For all the younger guys, everyday in practice I just want to show them one, the effort it takes," Bell said. "Whether it's getting the ball or not or if you're out there blocking on the edge, I just want to show all the guys the intensity we have to play with. Especially with all the tall guys leaving, we aren't as tall anymore, so we definitely have to be feisty."
If Collins does not return this season, Bell will be the clear No. 1 receiver on Michigan's team, which means he will very likely clear 50 catches and is a strong candidate to eclipse the 1,000 yard threshold as well.
Bell will have an opportunity to begin what could be an All-Big Ten type of season Week 1 on the road against Minnesota on Oct. 24.
What are you expecting out of Bell this season? What would a realistic stat line be for the Wolverines receiver? Let us know!