Jaheim Bell discusses physicality, mentality during blocking drills

Tight end Jaheim Bell came to Florida State this offseason as a transfer from South Carolina. He’s expected to be a major contributor for the Seminoles in the passing game but wants to make sure that he is a capable blocker too.

During spring practice, Bell explained his physicality and mentality during blocking drills.

“That’s one of my weaknesses that I can actually admit,” Jaheim Bell said. “So, I’ve been doing really good on learning the blocking game. Coach [Chris] Thompson getting me correct with that. So, I feel like I’ve been coming along well with the physical side of blocking.”

Jaheim Bell was then asked about a specific drill when he was being challenged by Jared Verse. In it, he faced the challenge head-on.

“Nobody intimidates me. I’m a man too. So, iron sharpens iron,” Bell said.

“Coach Thompson, when I came here, I didn’t know he was an offensive line coach previously. So, him having that aspect of that game and just teaching me how to get my technique correct with blocking, and I’ve done that. Used the techniques that he gave me and it’s working very well for me.”

Jaheim Bell was a four-star recruit in the Class of 2020, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. He was the 342nd player overall in the class. During his time at South Carolina, Bell was used in both the passing game and the rushing game. At Florida State, he’s going to be expected to be a key target for Jordan Travis who draws attention from other weapons like Johnny Wilson.

Greg McElroy on Florida State’s transfer portal additions

Jaheim Bell was one of the biggest names that Florida State added in the transfer portal. However, he wasn’t the only one and analyst Greg McElroy is intrigued by what head coach Mike Norvell is doing in the portal.

“The first thing I’m interested in when it comes to Florida State, the transfers. I mean, it’s as if Mike Norvell has found a new lease on life with his ability to attract players in the transfer portal. Now I’m not saying that they were the best in college football this year, as far as the portal is concerned. Some people would have other teams at or near the top…but I just take it with a grain of salt,” McElroy explained.

“Like I don’t go one, two, three, four, like best portal, second best portal, third best portal. I don’t really got that way. I look at it, did you get better or get worse by way of the portal and Florida State, like they did a year ago, appears to have gotten better…But then I look at this upcoming year and I look at this spring. How are the new additions going to factor in as far as playing time is concerned?”