BELL HAS SECOND CHANCE NOW HEALTHY, HE'S EAGER TO PROVE HIMSELF TO DALLAS.

Byline: Matthew Kredell Staff Writer

OXNARD - Jason Bell's college career didn't go the way he wanted. The UCLA cornerback started parts of three seasons but seemed to be struck by injury whenever he began to flash the talent that had him highly recruited out of Millikan High in Long Beach.

The undrafted rookie is getting a second chance to prove himself at training camp for the Dallas Cowboys.

``I didn't end my (college) career how I wanted to,'' Bell said. ``I'm finally healthy now. Being here is redemption.''

Bell missed nearly all of the 1999 season with tendinitis in his right ankle. He was granted another year of eligibility for medical hardship but battled injury again after a hot start.

``He worked hard here,'' UCLA coach Bob Toledo said of Bell. ``He's a smart football player. He's with a team where he has a chance to hopefully make it.''

Bell broke his foot in the final game of the 2000 season, the Sun Bowl against Wisconsin. NFL coaches liked his 6-foot size but questioned his speed, which injuries didn't help.

``I was disappointed (not to be drafted),'' Bell said. ``But I knew this is where I wanted to be situation-wise. Getting a chance to come here made things a lot better.''

Bell seems to be making the most of his opportunity.

``Bell is doing good things,'' Cowboys coach Dave Campo said. ``If he continues to make plays the way he is doing, he has a chance with us.''

The Cowboys signed four first-year cornerbacks after the draft to compete for possibly one or two positions. Even if he doesn't see much time in the secondary, a backup spot will guarantee Bell special-teams work. The Dallas secondary lacks experience. Phillippi Sparks and Ryan McNeil, the starters in 2000, are gone, leaving the projected starters as fourth-year player Izell Reese and Mario Edwards, entering his second year.

``I know I (have a shot at making the team),'' Bell said. ``It's a great situation for young guys like myself and that's why a lot of young guys decide to come here. This organization is top-notch.''

Training camp is a different experience for an undrafted rookie, who has nothing guaranteed but about a $5,000 signing bonus. If he makes the team, Bell will get the rookie minimum of $209,000.

``You've got to go out and make a name for yourself fast,'' Bell said of being in camp undrafted. ``You can't sit around and wait for them to recognize you. You've got to make them recognize you.''

Veterans have graciously accepted Bell as just another rookie, which means he gets to go through the normal rookie initiations. All Dallas rookies were required to sing a song for the veterans.

Bell was ordered to sing the UCLA fight song. He obliged, but the players either had a problem with the Bruins or his singing voice. They began booing before he finished.

Bell will be holding his breath Aug. 28, when the rosters are reduced to 65 and again Sept. 2, when the final 53 players are submitted to the league.

``It would be a dream come true (to make the team),'' Bell said. ``This is what I love to do. I don't have to do it. I graduated from college. But it would mean everything to me.''

PRACTICE TIMES

Today: 9-11 a.m.

Friday: 9:30-10:45 a.m.

Saturday: No practice

Sunday: No Practice

Monday: 4-6 p.m.

Tuesday: 9-11 a.m., 4-6 p.m.

Wednesday: 9-11 a.m., 4-6 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 23: 4-6 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 24: 9-11 a.m., 4-6 p.m.

CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo:

``I didn't end my (college) career how I wanted to. I'm finally healthy now. Being here is redemption.'' - Jason Bell, ex-UCLA cornerback trying out with the Cowboys

Box: PRACTICE TIMES (see text)