It’s not easy for a player on the level of the UConn Huskies to receive a ton of national recognition, but that was the case for All-American pass-catcher Skyler Bell, who became a household name.
The 6’0″, 185-pound Bronx, New York, native was a revelation for coach Jim Mora’s Huskies this year, catching 101 passes for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns, leading the team to a resurgent campaign. For his terrific season, he was named a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, which goes to the nation’s top receiver.
The catalyst for unlocking Bell’s massive potential and taking it to another level was his chemistry with quarterback Joe Fagano, who transferred from Maine and blossomed into a star. Now, neither of them are expected to play in the Fenway Bowl against Army.
Neither of them have any eligibility remaining, so both will turn their attention toward the NFL draft and hope a team picks them up. Bell’s mass production certainly should help him, though he’s undersized.
A huge final season in Stoors really should help Fagano get a few looks, too.
Regardless, the program is at a crossroad with new coach Jason Candle getting ready to take over for Mora, who left for Colorado State. Life will be much tougher in the post-Bell era.
