The way Malcolm Bell sees it, the audition is over and he’s ready for the curtain to drop.
“The first two-thirds (of the season) was really more about learning,” he said. “This time it’s more about showing what I’ve learned.”
Bell got first-team reps at corner during Saskatchewan Roughriders practice on Monday and could start there against the B.C. Lions on Friday.
That would represent quite the change.
Bell has spent most of his rookie CFL season playing special teams, a facet of the game the Montreal native was seldom used in during his collegiate days at the University of Connecticut and Michigan State.
The 24-year-old has had to prove his worth on special teams. Three of his five tackles this season have come there.
“I got to thank (special teams coordinator) coach Kent (Maugeri) for giving me the chance because I wasn’t as good at first,” Bell said. “He got to trust me to keep me in there and to develop me. That’s what he did. He’s just getting the change on his investment. He invested in me, so now he’s getting his money back. That’s all it is. After getting all those reps, I hope I get better.”
The Riders were missing Jonathan Edouard at Monday’s practice. Bell was stepping in for him in the secondary as Marcus Sayles shifted to halfback.
It could be a big assignment for Bell. The Riders (8-5) are trying to catch the Edmonton Elks (10-4) for top spot in the West Division. The Lions and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are both right behind them at 7-6.
“I see the importance of the games because everything’s starting to condense,” Bell said. “The standings, it’s pretty close right now. It’s a pretty tight race.”
Bell said it would mean a lot to him to get the start on Friday and wear his No. 12 green and white uniform on the field in a defensive role.
He’s focused on making an impact in the crucial contest against the Lions, even if he isn’t getting too far ahead of himself just yet.
“If it’s 12 or 26 (injured Tevaughn Campbell) or anybody, it doesn’t matter who starts; you ain’t going to see no drop-off,” Bell said. “If anything, you’re going to see an upgrade.”
