FOOTBALL: Ferris Recruit Jackson Admires For All-American Joique Bell

So, is Ferris State University welcoming the next Joique Bell with the signing of St. Joseph High School's Jamaal Jackson, a talented running back who signed with the Bulldogs back in February?

Recently, Jackson was named the Herald-Palladium’s 2010 Senior Male Athlete of the Year.

Bell, the outstanding running back who prepped at Benton Harbor High School and went on to great success as an All-American running back for Wayne State University.

Jackson hopes his success at the college level can mirror the success enjoyed by Bell. Jackson, however, hopes to get it done in Ferris' crimson and gold colors for head coach Jeff Pierce. The Bulldogs, like any other team, covets a game-breaking back carrying the football out of the offensive backfield. Jackson will be one of several players vying to be that player when training camp commences later this summer in Big Rapids.

Here is an excerpt from Al Arend's story published in the Herald-Palladium in the St. Joseph/Benton Harbor area:

Jamaal Jackson hopes to be like Joique Bell.

Bell, a Benton Harbor native and standout running back at Wayne State University, won the Harlon Hill Trophy last fall as the best college football player in Division II.

Jackson, named The Herald-Palladium's 2010 Senior Male Athlete of the Year, has big goals for his collegiate football future at Ferris State University.

"My goal is to try and match (Benton Harbor native) Joique Bell's effort at Wayne State," added Jackson. "But I could be redshirted my freshmen year, and most likely probably will be. Football has been my favorite sport ever since Rocket football days."

The three-sport standout's senior season at St. Joseph was cut short when he had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee just before the state wrestling finals, which he had qualified for the second straight season.

"My knee is real good right now," said Jackson. "I'm almost back to 100 percent, probably 90 to 95 percent."

Ferris hopes Jackson can come in and enjoy a level of success. If he can come anywhere near the success enjoyed by Joique Bell, then Ferris fans will have a lot to smile about during the next four to five years.