Greg McElroy weighs in on impact of Florida State landing Jaheim Bell from the transfer portal

Former South Carolina Gamecocks tight end Jaheim Bell made headlines with his decision to transfer. Then, upon choosing to go to Florida State, he stirred up another wave of interest in just how good the Seminoles could be in 2023.

Now, college football analyst Greg McElroy explained the impact that this transfer decision could have on his show Always College Football.

“Jaheim Bell, formerly of South Carolina, at the moment he is committed to Florida State,” Greg McElroy said. “This is a great pickup for Mike Norvell and his staff. The reason why Jaheim Bell, if you look at Florida State’s tight end room, not a great group. They’re fine. They’re okay, but they’re not a great group.”

Greg McElroy thinks that Jaheim Bell will fit nicely into Florida State’s offense. In particular, he provides flexibility on a creative offense. On top of that, this is a Florida State team that has high aspirations next season, especially with quarterback Jordan Travis returning.

“Well, Jaheim Bell is probably looking at the way they use specific players that they brought in the portal last year and looking at how much better their receiving core was as a result of those portal additions. Jaheim Bell is probably looking at it, saying, man I want to be the next guy in line, like Johnny Wilson was this past year. Now, Jaheim Bell is not necessarily Johnny Wilson. He’s more of an h-back, but his versatility is extremely interesting. You can move him around, you can line him up even at traditional running back. He played traditional running back at times last year for South Carolina,” Greg McElroy said.

“So, this is a massive, massive edition, I think, for Florida State, especially when you think of the creativity that Mike Norvell likes to use and implement in his offensive system.”

Jaheim Bell was a four-star recruit in the Class of 2020. In three seasons with the Gamecocks, he played in 26 games and had 56 receptions for 757 yards and seven touchdowns. He also has 80 rush attempts for 301 yards and three touchdowns.

Jaheim Bell was the ninth-best player in the transfer portal, according to On3’s Transfer Portal Rankings.

Mike Norvell in how recruiting has changed for Florida State

Florida State has found success this season that it’s looking to build on. Because of that, recruiting has changed for the Seminoles too.

“When you’re presenting a vision, a philosophy, talking about a culture that you want to have, it’s one thing when you’re having to project it,” Mike Norvell said.

“It’s another thing whenever they can see it in action. The questions that I ask and the responses that I receive are different. The things that people take notice of. That’s a tribute to our players and our staff. We try to be genuinely who we are. I know I say it all the time, but finding the right fit is important. Being on point in evaluations are important. I think we’ve done a good job of that throughout our time here.”