CU Buffs: The sixth round for Jered Bell

“The confidence,” defensive back Jered Bell said. “I think that’s the biggest difference this year, the confidence level is extremely high.”

Bell, a sixth year senior, has been around long enough to know when something is different. To put it in perspective, Bell has played under Dan Hawkins, Jon Embree, and Mike MacIntyre. If there is anyone to ask if this season will actually be different, Bell is the guy to answer.

The veteran defensive back has played in 36 games since 2010, missing 2011, and 2014 with knee injuries. He is vying for the starting free safety job this season but his influence will certainly not be limited to the field this season.

“It’s great because he knows a lot, he’s been around for a long time, he’s like another DB coach,” strong safety Tedric Thompson said of Bell. “A lot of times I ask him questions, we sit right next to each other in film, and we pick each other’s brains. He’s a great person to just continue to pick his brain because he knows so much.”

Bell is a link to former teammates and Buffs from the past as well. He and new member of the Buffs coaching staff, recruiting intern, Chidera Uzo-Diribe remain great friends.

“He’s my best friend out here,” the Ontario California native told of  Uzo-Diribe. “We came in togther, we’re from the same area back home, we’re always together. When I’m at home he spends time with my family and we’re really close. It’s good to have somebody I’m comfortable with back in town.”

They’re so close in fact that Bell recently took care of Uzo-Diribe after he got his wisdom teeth pulled. There are some hilarious videos which you can checkout on Chidera’s twitter.

The aftermath pic.twitter.com/93KQpZ79cl

— Chideebang (@MrChideeBang) August 19, 2015

“He was crazy,” Bell said of the humorous experience with Uzo-Diribe. “He’s a big dude so he was giving the doctors a hard time in the surgery room. It’s definitely a story I’ll be telling for a while.”

Back on the field the free safety is the elder statesmen.

“Some of the things they do, all you can do is shake your head,” Jered said of the underclassmen. “Then you gotta realize at one point you were that guy. You know, making the foolish mistakes or foolish comments. It’s part of the game, you have to take them under your wing and guide them.”

As a unit, the defensive backs have really impressed the sixth year senior. He talked about his group being more mature as a unit and that he sees the improvements.

“I feel like we are the heart of the defense with how strong and experienced we are,” Bell noted.

The entire team is mature and more experienced. It might be one of the most veteran teams Bell has played with at CU.

“We’re mature,” the free safety said. “We know we can compete, and we’re a better team. It’s a big difference, the morale is high. I’m looking forward to the season.”

Bell is also looking forward to the Hawaii trip. He is one of a few people who are still part of the program since the last time the Buffs visited the island. The Buffs did so Bell’s sophomore year when he was hurt, so he didn’t get to make the trip.

His main focus, other than the Rainbow Warriors, is that overarching goal we have heard about all offseason.

“Words can’t even describe it,” he said of how important making a bowl is to him. “That’s the goal, if not, it’s a failure.”