Linebacker Sonny Styles said Ohio State is using freshman wide receiver Phillip Bell to replicate the style of Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr., accounting for his speed and elusiveness.
Styles said Williams is a highly versatile and explosive quarterback whose speed, agility, and playmaking ability force defenses to account for him on every play.
“The kind of athleticism he has, you turn the film on, he’s super fast, super shifty, making a lot of tough plays, extending plays, making plays downfield, making plays with his legs, quarterback runs,” Style said. “So you gotta really account for him. He’s a great player.”
Bell, a speedy and agile receiver from Mission Viejo, Calif., has been mimicking Williams in Ohio State’s practices — a role Styles called essential for preparing the Buckeyes for their game against Washington.
“We’ve actually had Philip Bell, one of the freshmen,” Styles said. “He’s been giving us a great look. He’s not a quarterback, but he’s super shifty, so he gives us a great look and it feels like the game when he’s back there.”
A product of Mission Viejo High School, the four-star recruit Bell has yet to touch the field for Ohio State, although had his black stripe removed on Aug. 20.
Styles continued, stating that though they aren’t tackling Bell, they are wrapping up, adding that Bell’s speed is a great imitation of what the Buckeyes will see in their matchup against Williams.
“We’re not tackling him, but we’ll wrap him up though. You don’t touch the quarterbacks, but him, we’re able to wrap him up,” Styles said. “He’s giving us a good look. He’s super fast, super shifty. So, it’s kind of what it’s going to look like in the game.”
