University of Delaware junior linebacker Charles Bell, who led the Blue Hens in tackles for the second straight season this past fall, has been named to the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) All-East team.

Bell, a business management major, was one of three linebackers selected to the first team from among the top players in the Colonial Athletic Association, Ivy League, Northeast Conference and Patriot League. The teams were selected by ECAC-member coaches and sports information directors.

A two-time All-CAA selection, including earning first team accolades this fall, the co-captain led UD in tackles for the second straight year as he recorded 94 stops (38 solo) to go with a team-high 11.5 tackles for loss. He also had a quarterback sack, intercepted a pass, had two pass breakups, recovered one fumble, and forced another. He recorded 10 or stops four times and had a career-high 13 tackles each against Maine, Towson and Villanova. He also had 11 tackles, 3.5 for loss, and intercepted a pass against Stony Brook.

“This is a well-deserved honor for Charles,” said UD interim head coach Dennis Dottin-Carter. “He is a big, physical player who consistently gave us a great effort throughout the season. He is an intelligent guy who works as hard as anyone on this team, whether it be on the field, in the weight room or in the film room, and the younger guys look up to him. He is the kind of player you want to have on your team.”

Bell ranks No. 4 in the CAA in both tackles and tackles per game and led a defense that ranks No. 5 in the CAA in total defense, allowing 349.7 yards per game. Bell is the first UD player to earn All-East honors since current NFL Atlanta Falcon linebacker Paul Worrilow in 2012.

Bell was among 12 Colonial Athletic Association student-athletes honored on the first team an honorable mention squads. Also representing the CAA were first team picks in running back Khalid Abdullah, offensive linemen Aaron Stinnie and Mitchell Kirsch, defensive back Raven Greene and kick returner Rashard Davis, from James Madison; defensive lineman Patrick Ricard from Maine; and punter Jake Ryder from Towson.

Honorable mention picks were James Madison QB Bryan Schor; Maine LB Christophe Mulumba Tshimanga; New Hampshire DB Casey DeAndrade; and Towson RB Shane Simpson.  

Among Bell’s fellow linebackers named to the All-East first team were Randall LaGuerre of Central Connecticut State University; William Twyman of Brown; and Solomon Leaeno of St. Francis (Pa.).

Top award winners were Lehigh’s Nick Shafnisky (Offensive Player of the  Year); Pat Afriyie of Colgate (Defensive Player of the Year); Towson’s Simpson (Offensive Rookie of the Year), Marist’s Peter Delatour (Defensive Rookie of the Year), and St. Francis (Pa.) head coach Chris Villarrial (Coach of the Year).