Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On August 19, 1968, Iowa Hawkeye running back Nick Bell was born. A gifted runner, blocker, and receiver, Bell bruised Big 10 defenses while helping lead Iowa to the 1991 Rose Bowl.
Overcoming an asthmatic condition as a child, Bell starred at Ed W. Clark High School in Las Vegas after moving to running back as a senior. Heading east to play for Hayden Fry, Bell arrived in Iowa City and ended up sitting out due to Proposition 48 while he worked to overcome dyslexia.
Finally breaking into the lineup on special teams in 1988, Bell made an immediate impact by recording 18 tackles. Then, against Indiana, the 255-pound running back etched his name in Hawkeye history by catching a school record 13 passes. Over the next three seasons, Bell became a fan favorite while rushing for 1,680 yards, hauling in an additional 524 receiving yards, and scoring 20 touchdowns.
In his senior season, Bell ran for 6.1 yards per carry and helped the Hawkeyes reach the Rose Bowl. The Raiders drafted Bell in the second round of the 1991 NFL Draft. In three seasons with Los Angeles, Bell racked up 853 yards and seven touchdowns before injuries prematurely ended his career. #IowaOTD #IowaHistoryDaily #IowaHistoryCalendar
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