Tanner Bell always invites full contact on the gridiron.
The Brownstown Central senior lineman gets his hitting fix by playing right guard and right defensive end.
Like many of his teammates, Bell started his football career in the fifth grade, when he joined Brownstown’s 56ers program.
The senior said that his love for the game started in his own living room.
“I just loved watching people play football on TV,” Bell said. “I loved the sport, and love hitting people and getting hit. I like the feeling of it.”
While he’s moved around on the offensive line a couple times, Bell is finishing is time with the Braves as a guard.
“I played (right guard and right defensive end) for most of middle school and the start of high school,” Bell said. “I moved to tackle last year (on offense) and play right guard again this year.”
Bell said he enjoys playing guard more than defensive end because of the challenge it presents.
“I just like hitting people,” Bell said. “I like playing on the offensive line better. I prefer running plays because I’m not a great pass blocker. It’s easier for me to pull and kick someone out (on the defensive line) than standing there and going back and forth with them.”
In the trenches, Bell makes sure to protect his running backs and quarterback.
“I need to focus on maintaining my blocks,” Bell said. “If you do that, you can get the extra yards you need or can score a touchdown.”
So far this season, the Braves have 1,786 total rushing yards and 6,622 passing gains.
The Braves have a run-heavy offense, and Bell said he likes it that way.
Listed at 5-foot-8, 165 pounds, Bell often goes up against bigger lineman.
Bell said that he has to focus on his technical skills to make sure he dominates the line.
On special team this season, Bell has a blocked kick on his resume.
After high school, Bell said he intends to join the Marines.
“I just want to serve my country,” Bell said. “There isn’t anything really specific about it. I just want to serve. I will probably do basic training after high school. I have family that have served in the military.”
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Parents: Beth and Danny Bell
Siblings: Amanda Allman, Matthew, Maci Bell
Sports: Football 4 years
Organization: Sportman’s club
Plans after high school: United States Marine Corps
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite TV show: ESPN
Favorite singer/musician: Jason Aldean
Favorite movie: “Grown ups”
Favorite team: Oregon Ducks
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Q: What’s it like playing football for the Braves?
A: “I’ve loved playing here, I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.”
Q: What will you never forget about your experiences with the team?
A: “I will probably miss the brotherhood (of football) the most. Everyone always has your back.”
Q: What are your expectations for the rest of the season?
A: “I want us to win sectionals and go as far as we can. I want us to bring home a championship.”
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What: Clarksville (0-6) at Brownstown Central (4-2)
When: 7 p.m. today
Radio: 96.3-WJAA
Where: Blevins Stadium
Last outing: Seymour def. Brownstown Central 38-30, Silver Creek def. Clarksville 40-0
Most recent meeting: Brownstown Central won 48-8 on Oct. 3, 2014
Series past 30 years: Brownstown Central 24-14
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