Senior running back James Bell feels alive when he’s carrying the football for Simeon.
He doesn’t worry about making mistakes or fumbles. He doesn’t worry about getting hit, either. All that matters to him is staying in the moment and making a difference for the Wolverines.
“I was born to do this,” Bell said. “I’ve been doing it ever since I was a kid. My running style tells you everything about the kind of player I am — aggressive, powerful and strong.”
That was definitely Bell’s calling card Saturday afternoon.
Affectionately known as “Baby James,” Bell rushed for 215 yards and five touchdowns on 11 carries in a 60-0 Public League Red Star victory over Phillips at Eckersall Stadium in Chicago.
Sophomore receiver Jalonny Billingsley added a 42-yard TD on a punt return and a 36-yard TD on a pass from sophomore quarterback Aki King as Simeon (1-3, 1-0) got back to its winning ways.
All five of Bell’s TDs covered at least 30 yards. He didn’t play the second half.
According to Boston College-bound senior lineman Corey Randolph, the Wolverines rely on Bell for more than just his running ability.
“His voice has weight about it,” Randolph said. “When he says something, it means something. He’s a dominant player on our team. He has great field vision and sees everything.
More Top Picks Best Blue Light Glasses For Toddlers
“Everything he does right now is like above and beyond.”
Billingsley pointed out that Bell is a chameleon. All business on the field, fun and engaging off it.
”He’s a funny guy,” Billingsley said. “When the game is on, he gets his work done. He has great footwork and knows how to bounce plays outside. He’s a true leader.”
According to 247 Sports, Bell is one of three Simeon players ranked among the state’s top 50 prospects for the 2027 recruiting class, joining Randolph and defensive end Brian DeMoss.
Bell has 16 Division I offers, including national champion Indiana, Miami, Missouri, Kansas and Arizona State.
Bell’s father, also named James, was a standout running back at Harper in the 1990s under the dominant run of coach Terry Lewis. The son has inherited more than a nickname.
“My dad has been my coach for as long as I’ve been playing,” Bell said. “He was my first coach, my trainer and my mentor. He inspired me to do this and is the reason why I am this way.”
Bell actually started his career at rival Morgan Park. He didn’t play his freshman season after suffering a broken collarbone.
“The move was tough and coming over here was a big change, but I just thought this was a better place for me,” he said. “My sophomore year I was a team guy learning the system but was still a leader.
“Now, I’m the main guy and it’s my time.”
As a healthy sophomore, Bell showed breathtaking promise and excitement when running the ball.
“He’s always played above his age since he arrived here,” Simeon coach Sinque Turner said of Bell. “He’s hard to take down, and he has great contact and balance.
“He really opens things up for those explosive receivers we have on the outside.”
The 5-foot-10, 200-pound Bell has the size to run between the tackles and the burst to get to the edge. He took up boxing and wrestling to improve his balance, footwork and control.
Quiet and inward off the field, Bell maintains wide-ranging interests to paint a fuller portrait.
“My father’s from the South, and one thing we really love doing together is going fishing,” he said.
More Top Picks Best Climbing Harnesses For Beginners
Bell has also been an avid chess player since the third grade.
“I really like how chess makes you think,” he said. “I’m two different people. I’m quiet and keep to myself, but if I know you, I’m pretty outgoing and talkative.”
Turner believes Bell has a high ceiling with unlimited, untapped potential.
“He had junior tape as a sophomore and last year he really broke out,” Turner said. “Baby James is everything as advertised. He’s just a breath of fresh air.”
In developing new aspects to his game as a receiver and blocker, Bell wants to be seen as a complete player.
“I feel like I’ve added more to my game this season,” he said. “I know I can do anything.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the baiduhai.