Hardin-Simmons DT Caleb Bell transferring to UMHB

BELTON, Texas- Former Hardin-Simmons defensive tackle Caleb Bell announced his decision to transfer to Mary Hardin-Baylor on Sunday afternoon. 

The 6’3, 250 lb native of New Waverly, Texas, forwent his fourth season with the Cowboys and entered the transfer portal on Aug. 24. He spent three years in Abilene, but comes to Belton with one year of eligibility, as the NCAA granted a blanket waiver to all D-III student-athletes last year. 

Bell played in eight games as a freshman during the 2018 season, recording 10 tackles, four of which were solo, a forced fumble, and 1.5 sacks. He took another step forward as a sophomore, playing in nine games and doubling his tackles total (23.0), while tallying three sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss. 

He saw the field in four of HSU’s five games this past spring, with 12 solo tackles, 1.5 sacks and four tackles for loss. He averaged 4.5 total tackles per contest, and was named a Third Team All-ASC selection following the season. 

During his collegiate career, Bell faced UMHB four times. During the 2020-21 ASC Championship game in Abilene, the defensive tackle posted a season-high 7.0 total tackles, and four solo tackles. He also tallied three total tackles, two solo, in the regular-season meeting between the two programs in 2019. 

While in high school, Bell was a three-time all-district selection, with 27.0 tackles and 8.0 sacks as a senior in 2017. 

Of the four defensive tackles on UMHB’s two-deep depth chart prior to the Stagg Bowl, just one, Pete Smith, was a senior. The other three; Tristan Green, Josh Patteson and Kobe Giles, are set to begin their junior seasons in 2022. Bell’s transfer adds depth to the Crusaders’ defensive front, which helped limit opponents to an average of just 3.90 yards per play this past season.