ANN ARBOR -- While the offers never showed up, Ronnie Bell knew he always wanted to play football.
The son of a former college coach -- his father played collegiately, and coached wide receivers at Missouri Western State University -- Bell grew up around the game. He was exposed to film rooms as early as 8 years old, and started playing the game in middle school.
But by the time high school rolled around, he started gaining attraction in basketball. Schools quickly notice of his 6-foot, 182-pound frame, his speed and athleticism. That's when Missouri State offered him a basketball scholarship.