Ex-Rebel Bell stalks Locos spot

The play was the most basic in football -- a toss sweep to the right side -- and the linebackers were in hot pursuit as running back Hakim Hill quickly crossed the line of scrimmage.

It was a nontackling drill, but Beau Bell was first on the scene and quickly contained the ball carrier. The speed and tenacity Bell showed are the traits the former UNLV linebacker is relying on to keep him in professional football.

Bell is back in Las Vegas trying to make the Locomotives' roster. It won't be easy, because the Locos are deep at linebacker, and Bell's pro experience is limited to five games for the Cleveland Browns in 2008 and last season with the Spokane Shock of the Arena League.

"I need to get better quickly," Bell said. "But it's a great opportunity for me, and I'm grateful for the chance."

Well down the depth chart, Bell gets few opportunities in practice and knows he must make a good impression anytime he jumps into a drill. He's also being given a chance on the Locos' special teams as a wedge buster, where he can utilize his speed and strength.

"I try to play every play like it's my last, so I don't feel any pressure to perform," he said. "Sure, I'd like to be more involved in the drills. But I can't control that. All I can do is, when my chance comes, be ready to perform."

Though Bell faces long odds of making the United Football League team's 51-man roster, Locos president and coach Jim Fassel calls him "my kind of guy."

"We're looking for steady progress from our new guys," Fassel said. "He's one of those guys who's making progress every day. I like his quickness. I like his attitude."

Bell, 25, played for UNLV from 2004 through 2007, and his 320 tackles rank third in school history. The Browns drafted him in the fourth round, 108th overall, and he had three tackles in 2008 before being waived in the final cutdown in 2009. He recalls his NFL career fondly.

"Just being in the locker room, playing with those guys, playing in a big stadium, it was awesome," he said. "When they cut me, I was very disappointed. But I know I can play somewhere."

Bell will get to suit up at Sam Boyd Stadium at least once more when the Locos have a free public scrimmage at 8 p.m. today. It will be a chance to show he can tackle, something Fassel has prohibited during practice to avoid injuries.

"We need to tackle people (in the scrimmage)," Fassel said. "Our first game is in two weeks (Sept. 17 at Sacramento), so we've got to see what some of these new guys can do."

Bell tried to catch on in the UFL last year, but the Omaha Nighthawks cut him before the season. He went to the Arena League, and the faster game forced him to sharpen his skills.

"It definitely helped keep me in shape," Bell said.

Bell keeps close tabs on his alma mater, largely because his brother B.J. is a starting linebacker for UNLV. Bell said he thinks second-year coach Bobby Hauck will get the team turned around.

"I like what Coach Hauck is doing," he said. "He's trying to put some discipline into the program, and that was missing sometimes when I was playing there."

Bell's main focus is the Locos, though, and he's similarly impressed by the culture of winning that Fassel has created with back-to-back UFL titles.

"The attitude here is different from the other places I've been," Bell said. "These guys expect to win. You can see that just by the way they carry themselves on the field. They know they're winners.

"I hope I'll be here. But to be honest, I don't think too much about what will happen if I don't make it here. I go like the wind, wherever it takes me."

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj.