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Ex-Wayne State star Joique Bell living NFL dream with Bills

Tim Twentyman / The Detroit News

During his freshman year at Wayne State, Joique Bell worked part time as a security guard at Ford Field.

An up-and-coming running back in Division II, Bell recognized a Lions scout during a kids camp. After the day's session, he walked up to the scout to ask him a question.

"I still remember the conversation to this day," Bell said Tuesday. "I asked him if a guy could ever get drafted from Wayne State. He looked me in my eyes and told me, 'Hey, if you have talent, they'll find you.' "

Bell took that advice to heart and put himself in a position to be drafted, compiling 6,728 rushing yards and 100 touchdowns (88 rushing, eight receiving and four passing) during his career at Wayne State.

While he wasn't drafted -- mainly because of slow 40-yard dash times at the combine and individual workouts -- Bell was on the radar of NFL scouts. He signed a free agent contract the day after the draft.

Tonight, Bell returns to Ford Field. But this time, instead of entering the stadium through the front gates, Bell will be running through the tunnel with the Bills as they face the Lions in the final exhibition for both teams.

Buried on the depth chart behind veterans Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch and first-round pick C.J. Spiller, Bell has been impressive, rushing for 142 yards (6.5 avg.) and two touchdowns in three exhibitions.

Jackson, Lynch and Spiller are firmly entrenched atop the depth chart, but Bell is making a strong case for inclusion on the final 53-man roster as a fourth runner and on special teams.

"My mindset has always been to go out there and make an impact no matter when my name is called," he said. "They know I'm a good running back, but what else can I bring to the table."

The odds of Bell making the final roster were enhanced when Lynch and Jackson went down with injuries, though Lynch is expected to play tonight.

"I told myself I was going to make it the NFL playing running back, and the opportunity is sitting right in front of me," he said. "I think I've been doing pretty well so far. The stats show that I've been doing pretty well and the coaches seem to like me and have faith in me."

Though he'll be an opposing player tonight, Bell is sure he'll get a warm welcome from Lions fans, which will include hundreds of family members and friends.

"I know one guy who bought 30 tickets," he said. "I'll have a lot of people coming out."

Bell said he doesn't like to think too far ahead, but admitted he's contemplated what it would feel like to score at Ford Field in front of family and friends.

"It would be great. I'm going to have a lot support. I'm sure some Lions fans will be on my side, too, because I'm from that area and played at Wayne State," he said.

"I know I'm playing for the away team but I still might jump in the crowd if I score."

Joique Bell

Hometown: Benton Harbor, Mich.

Age: 24

Ht./Wt .: 5-foot-11/220

Pro: Signed as a free agent by Buffalo

College: Won the Harlon Hill Trophy as Division II player of the year as a senior at Wayne State ... rushed for 2,084 yards and 29 touchdowns as a senior ... had 6,728 yards and 88 touchdowns during his college career, along with 79 receptions for 918 yards and 8 touchdowns ... Named GLIAC offensive back of the year twice

tim.twentyman@detnews.com