One Day Away from Bama Kickoff: Albert Bell

Each day counting down to Alabama's Week 1 matchup with Utah State, I will highlight a former player whose jersey number coincides with the amount of days until the game. The Crimson Tide kicks off in just one day, so let's look back at legendary Bama wideout Albert Bell.

Albert Bell suited up at wide receiver for the Crimson Tide from 1985-86, and was a key piece of the offense in his time with the team. Though he did not join the Tide as a freshman, transferring in after spending time at Coffeyville Junior College in Kansas, he made his impact felt and helped guide the team to back-to-back bowl victories.

Coming out of Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles in 1981, Bell was an All-City receiver, but was unable to move on to the next level due to poor grades. Despite serious interest from Purdue, he was forced to take the junior college route and enrolled at Coffeyville Junior College in Kansas.

In two seasons with the Red Ravens, Bell hauled in an incredible 90 passes for 1,790 yards, all while running the wishbone offense. His time in junior college was nothing short of spectacular, and after the Boilermakers inexplicably passed on the prospect, Ray Perkins and the Crimson Tide stepped in.

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He joined the team ahead of the 1985 season and instantly made his impact felt. In his first year, Bell hauled in 37 receptions for 648 yards and eight touchdowns, and the Tide went 9-2-1, defeating USC in the Aloha Bowl.

In his final year with the program, Bell again was a key piece of the Bama offense. He finished with 26 catches for 315 yards and the Tide finished the year with another bowl victory, this time over Washington.

Though his time with the Tide was brief, Bell put together a memorable career in Crimson and White.

Stay locked in to Tide1009.com for the countdown to Alabama football. Check out the rest of the list here.