Respectfully, Jaheim Bell doesn't want to be compared to anyone else
Jaheim Bell is arguably one of the most gifted athletes that South Carolina has seen in recent years.
A tight end who can block, catch, and run, he can do a little bit of everything. Last season, Bell hauled in 30 receptions for 497 yards and five touchdowns. He also had seven rushes for 40 yards and a 22-yard kickoff return.
With a unique skillset, that’s led to Bell being compared to another Gamecock great who also was Mr. Do It All. Deebo Samuel.
“Jaheim is not a tight end anymore,” said offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield, following a practice this past spring. “We list him as a tight end but Jaheim, he’s Deebo 2.0. Jaheim’s new position is called ‘Wide Back.’”
But it’s not just his coaches that have made those comparisons. Many fans and media members alike have compared the 6-3, 232-pound junior to Samuel as well.
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“It makes me realize that one day I could be in the league,” said Bell. “But at the same time, I don’t really like it because I’m myself. I don’t really want to be compared to the next guy. I just want the fans or whoever to talk about me as just me. Don’t just compare me to another guy. At the same time, it’s straight. But I want to be known as me and not as another guy.”
[Join us Aug. 20 at Steel Hands Brewing for the 2022 Gamecock Central South Carolina football Kickoff Party]
Despite not wanting to be compared to anyone else, Bell has a great appreciation for Samuel. The two have developed a rapport over the past few years.
“I’ve talked with Deebo a lot. We have a relationship.”
While Bell’s usage in the offense has evolved since he first arrived, being asked to wear multiple hats is something he feels comfortable doing.
“I was kinda doing all of that in high school. Playing a little bit of tight end, running back, and receiver. I even played a little bit of safety in high school. It’s kinda second nature to me so I’ve been able to buy into it easily.”
