JD PicKell: Jaheim Bell could be in line for a big breakout at South Carolina

With the college football season upon us, predictions are flowing for what this year could hold. One of the more interesting predictions to make is who will come out of nowhere to impact the season for their team. Amongst the predictions of breakout players from On3’s JD PicKell was South Carolina tight end Jaheim Bell.

PicKell selected the Gamecock’s junior tight end because his measurables and skill qualify him as a freak show. He sees Bell as a weapon that Shane Beamer and the South Carolina offense can put to use everywhere on the field.

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“Staying in the freak show category…(Jaheim Bell) is listed as a tight end, but he’ll line up just about anywhere for this program,” said PicKell. “He’ll line up at running back. He may take snaps at quarterback in the wildcat or he may line up out wide at wide receiver. (Bell) is a Swiss Army Knife for this offense and he’s just scratching the surface of what he’s capable of doing.”

Bell broke out some during his sophomore season in Columbia. He produced 30 catches for 497 yards and five touchdowns in 2021. He had massive performances against Vanderbilt with six catches for 136 yards and a touchdown as well as in their Duke’s Mayo Bowl win over North Carolina with five catches for 159 yards and a pair of scores.

The combination of size and ability is what has JD PicKell seeing a breakout player in Bell. He sees Bell as a great potential weapon for Spencer Rattler to utilize during the season.

“6’3, 230 pounds, and runs like a deer. He popped in the bowl season last year. He had two touchdowns that were over 60 yards and finished with like six catches for 159 yards. That guy is a big play waiting to happen,” PicKell said. “He’s a big human being who runs really fast. He’s another guy who’s going to be a weapon for this offense as they continue to work in Spencer Rattler. Jaheim Bell is going to see a heavy dose of the football and he’s going to get a chance to touch the ball in a lot of different ways.”

Bell more than makes the case as one of if not the best tight end weapons in the SEC. His versatility makes him one of the conference’s most unique weapons in general too. If he can build off his strong sophomore campaign, South Carolina will be far more used to hearing his name and seeing him make big plays on Saturdays this season.