Nov. 14, 2007

Wayne State University sophomore running back Joique Bell (Benton Harbor, Mich.) has been voted GLIAC Offensive Back of the Year by the GLIAC head coaches for the second consecutive season. He becomes just the fourth person in GLIAC history to be a two-time recipient joining Hillsdale's Scott Schulte (1992-93), Grand Valley's Jeff Fox (co-1997, co-1998), and GVSU's David Kircus (co-2001, co-2002).

Bell led the GLIAC in rushing attempts attempts (289), rushing yards (1427), yards per game (129.7) and rushing touchdowns (25), while ranking second in all-purpose yards per game (165.7). He won the GLIAC overall scoring title by 58 points (168-110), while tying the GLIAC single-season league points record of 156 set by Kircus in 2001.

Bell had four games this year with four rushing touchdowns and equaled the GLIAC mark with five total touchdowns at Mercyhurst.

In terms of national statistics through the end of the regular season, Bell was 14th in rushing yards per game, third in scoring (15.3 points per game), 14th in all-purpose yards per game, 11th in total rushing yards and second in points (168).

One of the 24 national candidates for the Harlon Hill Trophy, Bell was responsible for 29 of WSU's 42 offensive touchdowns. His 1,427 rushing yards was the third-highest mark in school history, while his 1,823 all-purpose yards was the fifth-best mark in WSU history. P> He will enter his junior campaign seventh in GLIAC career all-purpose yards (4,070) and eighth in GLIAC career rushing yards (3,302). He is currently tied for fourth in GLIAC career points (288).

Joining Bell on the All-GLIAC First Team was return specialist Dante Dunn (Lansing, Mich./Waverly). He led the GLIAC in kickoff return average (27.3) and had the longest return (89 yards) in the GLIAC in 2007.

Voted to the All-GLIAC Second Team was senior linebacker Alan Guy (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester Adams). Guy finished ninth in the league in tackles per game (8.6) while ranking sixth in tackles for loss (14). He led the Warriors in solo tackles (58), total tackles (95) and TFL.

Six WSU players received honorable mention All-GLIAC accolades: senior offensive tackle Muhammad Abdullah (Detroit, Mich./Central), junior linebacker Tristan Black (Toronto, Ont./Vanier Prep), junior running back Daryl Graham (Detroit, Mich./St. Martin de Porres), senior center Frank Lietke (Walled Lake, Mich./Central), senior tight end John Rehberg (Livonia, Mich./Stevenson) and freshman return specialist Stan Thornton (Cincinnati, Ohio/Withrow).