AMES — Like many people, Iowa State football cornerback Tre Bell never forgot his first love – basketball.
He was first introduced to the sport in kindergarten and has been obsessed with it ever since. Shortly after being introduced to the game, it became almost a year-round endeavor. And, like all first loves, he thought it would last forever.
Bell eventually picked up football midway through high school. However, it wasn't until his senior season at Parkway West High School in Ballwin, Missouri, that he would finally enjoy a full season on the gridiron. He was sidelined with a shoulder injury his sophomore year and the COVID-19 pandemic impacted his junior campaign
Despite being relatively new to the sport, Bell garnered attention from scouts and stayed close to home, committing to Lindenwood. He enrolled with the intent to play both basketball and FCS-level football.
Once college started, though, he realized his true calling was in football and he shifted all of his focus to it.
"I feel like I reached my fullest potential at basketball, and I wasn't getting any better," Bell said. "With football, I still had so much room left to grow, so I wanted to see what could happen if I could max it out."
In era where college sports seems to cater towards instant gratification, Bell's epiphany came during his first season in 2022, where he didn't receive any playing time while redshirting.
"I didn't play, but just going through the practices and stuff, I was just thinking, 'Wow, football is actually a lot more fun than I thought it was,'" Bell said. "Talked to my parents, talked to coaches, talked to everybody, prayed a lot about it and really just came to the realization that football is going to be my way.
"... I was scrawny. I was like maybe 170 pounds, so just trusting (God) and knowing that He's going to put me in the right positions at the right time."
The decision has paid off for Bell. He appeared in 20 games over two seasons for the Lions, tallying a total of 48 tackles, 12 pass breakups, a fumble recovery and one interception.
Some of his experiences as a 6-foot-3 point guard on the hardwood have translated over onto the football field.
"I had to look at the court from all different angles," Bell said. "Know where guys were going to be at a specific time. Same thing with playing corner, you got to know where the linebackers are going to drop, you got to know which way the defensive end is rushing."
Now, he's made the jump to FBS power-conference football, choosing
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