Ronnie Bell heading to NFL after 2022 season, but Jim Harbaugh names seniors that might return
Michigan football is the beneficiary of a 5th season for wide receiver Ronnie Bell in Ann Arbor. Unfortunately for the program, it will not receive a 6th year from one of the team’s most productive offensive weapons.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh revealed Monday night that Bell will forgo his final season of eligibility in Ann Arbor and prepare for the 2023 NFL Draft. Bell’s knee injury last year mixed with the COVID-19 season would have allowed for one more go-round in a Michigan uniform.
“He’s gonna go into the NFL next year,” Harbaugh said on this week’s Inside Michigan Football radio show. “He’s already got a Senior Bowl invite. He’s having a tremendous, tremendous season. It’s another feel-good story.”
Bell was voted a team captain ahead of the 2022 season, the 2nd time in his Michigan career he has received that honor. He leads the team with 45 catches for 597 yards and a pair of touchdown receptions.
“I love the boys and I appreciate them,” Bell said this summer after being voted a team captain. “Just fired up, man. One thing about voting for captains is you’re voting for captains because it’s toward the end of training camp and the season is here. Explaining to the boys that we’re ready to roll and ready to rock. Just love for them.”
Bell was an under-the-radar recruit for the Wolverines in the 2018 class. The Kansas City-area basketball star played in 13 games his true freshman season and started 10 contests in 2019 and all 6 games in the 2020 campaign. He has 128 catches for 1,977 yards and 17 touchdowns in a Michigan uniform.
Bell had 1 catch for 76 yards and a touchdown in 2021 before tearing his ACL in the first half of the season opener vs. Western Michigan. He has suited up in every game this season.
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Others could return to Michigan
Saturday will be Senior Day in Ann Arbor ahead of the contest with Illinois, but it might not be the last time we see a handful of upperclassmen. Harbaugh addressed the possibility of others that could return for the 2023 campaign.
Among the candidates is 5th-year linebacker Michael Barrett, who could return for a 6th in Ann Arbor.
“So happy that Mike has found a true position at inside linebacker,” Harbaugh said. “Tremendous special teams contributor. To see him having success playing football, and I think he is going to be playing football for a long time. He may come back next year or he may take his services to the NFL. We’ll see. I think there is going to be more football for him after this season.”
Other possibilities are 5th-year cornerbacks Gemon Green and German Green. Harbaugh spoke on what they have brought to the table since arriving in Ann Arbor.
“Two tremendous brothers,” Harbaugh said. “My memory goes back to when they were freshmen. The first day it snowed, I looked over and they are doing snow angels on the turf. I stopped practice and said, “What are you doing? We have a huge game this weekend!” And they said, ‘Coach we have not seen snow before.’ So much contribution from both of them. They can come back, one or two or both. We’d love for them to come back. Gritty competitors. They have this quality where you think they are hurt – other guys would miss 6 weeks, they miss a practice.”
