DeKalb’s Xavier Bell is coming off a junior season that proved he’s one of the most dangerous all-around athletes in the Northeast 8. As a return specialist, Bell was electric—averaging 30 yards per kick return and 26 per punt return—earning him First Team All-Conference honors at both specialist and cornerback. He’s just as impactful on offense. In a hard-fought defensive battle against Angola, Bell led the Barons in receiving with 7 catches for 84 yards while anchoring a defense that limited the Hornets to only 214 total yards for first year head coach Ryan Robertson.
Who or what has had the biggest impact on your athletic journey so far?
My mom has had the biggest impact on my athletic journey. She put me in every sport possible when I was young and helped develop my love for sports.
What’s your pregame routine or ritual that gets you locked in?
Listening to NBA Youngboy.
What’s your proudest moment in sports — and why does it stand out?
I would say my proudest moment in sports is when I was nominated as team captain, because it showed that my teammates look up to me as a leader and they have trust in me.
What are your goals — both short-term and long-term — in your sport or beyond?
My short-term goals in sports is to win the meaningful games, whether it be a conference championship or playoff games and being able to share that moment with our team. My long-term goals with sports in general is to stay in good health and use my knowledge of sports and athletics to create opportunities for myself in the future for a job.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you — on or off the field?
I like to play guitar.
Up Next: The Barons travel to area rival Garrett, kickoff scheduled for 7pm.
