Standing at 5’11” and 200 pounds, Akhaurien Bell is a running back and linebacker for East Ouachita Middle School out in Monroe, Louisiana and will be going to Ouachita High School. In our Gridiron Football Junior High All-American Bowl Game this past December, Bell had two and a half total tackles, ran the ball one time for five yards, and caught the ball once for eight yards for Team North. Bell is a leader on his team, always lifting others up with his determining personality. This past week, I had the exciting possibility of talking with Akhaurien.
Q: Why do you play the game of football?
“I like the physical reaction, the contact, and I love the sport itself.”
Q: Where do you see football going in your life?
“I see football taking a big place in my life, with me going to the NFL.”
Q: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned through playing football?
“Of course, you have to know the plays and the basics for tackling. But really, I learned that you have to know how to take things serious [in all aspects of life].”
Q: What does football mean to you?
“It means a lot to me. Football is a passion, so I take it the most serious [out of all the sports I play].”
Q: What challenges have you overcome on the field?
“When I go against people bigger than me, I have to be quicker than them.”
Q: What motivated you to overcome those challenges?
“My dad. [He’s a big, positive influence to me.]”
Q: How do you balance sports with your other responsibilities in life?
“I get help from my dad. He helps me keep my grades up. Other than that, I stick to football.”
Q: Do you have a favorite football memory?
“When I was playing at East Ouchita Middle School, I got a touchdown against Richwood. That was one of my longest touchdowns of the season – 70 yards.
Q: How do you stay trained and in football-shape during the off-season?
“In school, the coaches make sure we stay in the weight room and condition. My dad also helps me train by working out with me and gets me with coaches outside of football.”
Q: How are you looking to improve?
“Keep on working, keep on taking the weight room more serious, and always listening to my coaches. And practicing my position more, of course.”
Q: On the other hand, what do you think is your biggest strength?
“I’m quick, and I’m fast. I got power too.”
Q: What are some goals you’ve set for yourself out on the field?
“To at least get a touchdown a game and sack the QB. Really, just to make plays [and keep winning].”
Q: Do you try to model your game after any players, pro or collegiate?
“Deion Sanders. Since I was younger, everybody called me after Prime Time. That became a nickname for me. I started watching film, and I kept taking inspiration from him.”
Q: Do you consider football to be more physically challenging, mentally challenging, or both?
“Both. Physically, you have to have the strength and know how to take hits and not get injured. Mentally, you have to have the mindset to do it and not get scared.”
Q: What is an interesting fact about you that the readers should know?
“I’m a caring and nice person who is playful, but always respectful.”
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