Robbie Bell Thrilled for His Return to Campus

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - It's been a long time coming for University of Louisville offensive lineman Robbie Bell.

Being away from his teammates for over two months, Bell was one of 30 players who were able to return to campus on Tuesday to begin preparations for the upcoming 2020 season.

"Im fine with everything," Bell said. "I'm excited to be back on campus. I really miss our coaching staff and my teammates. I'm excited to be able to interact with everyone and get to see everyone instead of being seven hours away from home."

Before being able to return to physical activity, Bell had the opportunity to get tested for COVID-19, which is something he won't ask to do again anytime soon. The UofL Athletic Department set up a drive-thru testing area on Tuesday to make sure they won't expose their teammates.

"I got tested this morning," Bell said. "It felt as bad as the videos looked. That wasn't very enjoyable, but it is part of the process and we have to do what we have to do. All the guys who were tested today get their results back on Wednesday then we can move on to the next phase of the process."

While Bell is excited to be back on campus and in the football facility, he understands that life is going to be difficult in the facility and around his teammates for awhile.

"The biggest adjustment is going to be getting used to the guidelines that we have to follow each day," Bell said. "Every single day we have to fill out a symptoms checklist every day. We just need to get used to this different routine. The entire team usually hangs out together off the field, but because of what is going on we're discouraged to hang out with our teammates. I know during these first two phases we have to workout alone, which will be odd. We have our meals in the stadium and hang out, but that won't be an option anymore."

While at home, not working out under supervision from the coaching staff, Bell was able to workout without missing much of a beat.

"I've been blessed at home with my family to have a rack and a set of weights," said Bell. "My dad and I were able to build a lifting platform. I actually had a good lifting set up in my garage. I was able to do the same lifting workouts that I would usually do when I was with our coaches. I was able to squat and deadlift, which was a big advantage for me."

The Cardinals lost a big piece of their offensive line when Mekhi Becton was taken with the No. 11 pick in the NFL Draft by the New York Jets. At 6-foot-8 and 370 pounds, Becton was a dominating force, but Bell doesn't think this unit will lose any momentum from last season.

"I don't think the offensive line play will be different this year," Bell said. "Whether Becton was in or out, we ran the same plays. The way we were playing in those first seven practices of spring ball makes me real confident. Adonis Boone stepped into that left tackle position and Renato Brown did a great job at right tackle. We are going to have the same style of play because that is what is expected of us. We will still have a big, strong offensive line."

Playing football Bell usually wore a mask, but because of all the new guidelines, the fifth-year senior will have to wear a different type of mask to protect himself on a daily basis.

"Every time I have left my house over the last three months, I've worn a mask," Bell said. "It will be a little different having to do it in the building. Wearing a mask has been the new normal so that won't be much of a change."

University of Louisville Athletics

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Mekhi Becton

Robbie Bell

Adonis Boone

Renato Brown

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