SCOOBA — Maleke Bell has been doing a lot of waiting the last few months.
Part of Bell’s waiting ended Wednesday when the East Mississippi Community College defensive lineman became a father.
On Thursday, the former Starkville High School standout made his much-awaited debut with EMCC in the No. 1 Lions’ 49-3 victory against No. 15 Holmes C.C. at Sullivan-Windham Field.
After missing the first five weeks with a broken jaw he suffered in training camp, Bell needed little time to make his presence felt. On his second snap, he pressured quarterback Jesse Wilson into an interception.
Bell was part of a defensive effort that limited Holmes C.C. to 3.6 yards per play.
“It felt great. Every week I was sitting out, coaches were bringing me back, pulling me together, I’m bringing the guys together,” Bell said. “I’m at a loss for words.”
Knowing the wait eventually would end didn’t make the first 29 minutes of the game Thursday any easier. While EMCC’s defensive linemen waited on the sidelines for defensive line coach Davern Williams to call them into action, Bell was almost always in front of the pack to make himself visible.
“I was dying to get my number called,” Bell said.
Bell’s time finally came with a minute left in the first half. He rushed the passer on the first play and was on the receiving end of a cut block that allowed Wilson to throw over him. On his second play, he beat the same tackle who cut him a play earlier and dove at Wilson, but he only got a hand on his front leg. The contact forced Wilson to lose his balance. Wilson regained his balance and overthrew his receiver that Ty Williams to get an interception.
Bell ended the game without a tackle, so, in a way, the waiting will continue for another week.
“They cut me the first play,” Bell said. “I was supposed to have a tackle. The next play is crazy. I’m supposed to have a sack on the next play. I whipped the tackle and had my technique, but I’m supposed to finish the play.”
EMCC coach Buddy Stephens was thrilled to see Bell back in action.
“He’s done an outstanding job for us motivationally,” Stephens said. “I’m tickled to have him back because one sure thing is on the bus ride next week, you’ll know where he is because he can get a word in. Maleke talks all the time. He’s a great kid.”
Bell would have been in the game sooner, but he missed practice Wednesday for the birth of his child. Stephens cited EMCC’s recent struggles against Holmes C.C. (it had allowed 600 yards in the last two meetings) and said defenders “need the reps” to see significant snaps Thursday night.
Now that Bell’s back, he’ll be a part of it all.
“You’ll see a lot more of him next week,” Stephens said. “You’ll see a lot more of him the rest of the year.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Brett Hudson on Twitter @Brett_Hudson
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