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Kenny Bell redshirted his first year at Nebraska, but then became a core part of the offense as a redshirt freshman, starting 11 of 13 games. He went on to become the most prolific receiver in Husker history, setting records for career receptions and career receiving yards. He finished with 181 receptions for 2,689 receiving yards, besting Nate Swift (166) in receptions and Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Rodgers in yardage (2,479).
In 2014 he lead the team in receptions, yards, and TDs. In 2013, he lead the team in receptions and kick return yardage. In 2014 Bell earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors (coaches), becoming the first Husker receiver since Jon Bostick in 1991 to earn first-team conference honors.
Bell became a fan favorite at Nebraska. His prestigious hair inspired the phrase "Throw to the Fro" and while he was outspoken at times Bell was consistently a positive influence on his team and the Nebraska program.
| Year | Games/Starts | Receptions | Yards | Yards Per Reception | Yards/Game | Long | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Redshirt | ||||||
| 2011 | 13/11 | 32 | 461 | 14.4 | 35.5 | 50 vs. Washington | 3 |
| 2012 | 14/14 | 50 | 863 | 17.3 | 61.6 | 74 at Ohio State | 8 |
| 2013 | 13/12 | 52 | 577 | 11.1 | 44.4 | 42 at Minnesota | 4 |
| 2014 | 13/12 | 47 | 788 | 16.8 | 60.6 | 73 vs. Minnesota | 6 |
| Totals | 53/49 | 181 | 2689 | 14.9 | 50.8 | 74 at Ohio State | 21 |
NFL Combine And Pro Day Results
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Bell ran 40s of 4.37 and 4.37 at Nebraska's Pro Day. Note that he was the best performer amongst receiver prospects in the vertical leap, broad jump and cone drill at the NFL combine.
Strengths
Speed
Bell ran a 4.42 in the 40 at the NFL combine, but he ran again at Nebraska's Pro Day (not typical as he could have hurt his already impressive Combine time), and ran in the "low 4.3s".
Blocking
Nebraska receivers must be good blockers - it's expected as part of Husker tradition to the point that receivers competed for a "Perimeter Warrior" award under wide receiver coach Rich Fisher. Bell won that award in 2014.
Below is a very complete set of Kenny Bell highlights over his career.
Weaknesses
Consistency
Most of the NFL draft profiles you'll read with regards to Bell state that he has good hands, evident by some of the spectacular catches he made while playing for the Huskers. Unfortunately, he had problems with consistently catching the ball.
Strength/Size
Bell needs to become more physical to take on NFL-level corners, particularly the larger-sized corners that are becoming more vogue in today's game. There are questions as to how well he'll hold up in the NFL.
Where/When
We're going with SBNation's Dan Kadar - who says about Bell:
Bell is a player I always thought showed flashes, but was inconsistent. He's a good vertical threat and profiles as a solid No. 3 or 4 receiver in the NFL. I think he could slip into the back half of the draft on a team that needs a speed receiver. I wouldn't be shocked to see him get used a lot on special teams.
Just like our other guys, I hope he doesn't end up on some team that has no idea what they're doing in management.