Former Gator QB New Head Man At Valdosta State Football

In his first year as the head coach,  former Gator quarterback Kerwin Bell (1984-1987) has led the Valdosta State Blazers to a 7-2 season.  Last year,  the Blazers exited the playoffs in the second round following a 27-20 defeat to West Georgia. Last year’s head coach David Dean left Valdosta State to become the co-offensive coordinator for Georgia Southern, opening the door for Bell to become the new head coach.

@UWFFootball coach Pete Shinnick,Valdosta coach @FloridaGators formerQB great Kerwin Bell chat in pregame.#pnjsports pic.twitter.com/GouMoOUVlx

— Bill Vilona (@billvilonaPNJ) September 24, 2016

A New Atmosphere

Bell entered Valdosta State after being fired from his previous head coaching job with the Jacksonville Dolphins.  In his nine-year tenure at Jacksonville,  Bell led the Dolphins to two conference championships. Bringing a massive amount of unprecedented success, Bell led a program with only one winning season prior to his hire to a total of eight.  This time, the task is different for Bell as he inherits a winning program hungry for their fourth national title.

Overcoming Challenges

Valdosta State’s backfield has been struggling after losing their school’s all-time leading rusher, senior Cedrick O’Neal,  last season.  This season, the leading rusher Cedric Hollingshed has yet to surpass the 400-yard mark.  Bell is hoping for the run game to develop as his search for a dominant back continues.

https://twitter.com/GulfSouth/status/795672385290698756

Throughout the season,  Bell has alternated between Adam Robles and Roland Rivers as quarterback for his team.  Both quarterbacks have posted up impressive numbers, leading the Blazers to become ninth in the nation in passing yards per game.  Though, the key difference between Rivers and Robles is the interception count. Rivers has thrown eight and Robles has thrown only one this season.  Impressing Bell with a standout performance against Western Alabama,  Robles has become the favorite for the job.  With naming Robles as the starter, Bell hopes that it will help the team get to the next level.

Down The Road

The Blazers currently are third in their region and look to finish strong against the Shorter Hawks (0-10).  With a history of success,  Bell hopes to lead the Blazers to a successful postseason run and potentially a national title.