Dawson Smith: A Conversation with Talan Bell

Talan Bell in his first collegiate action on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 in Clemson, SC. (Photo Courtesy of Jacob Citron/Clemson Athletics)

It’s no secret that Clemson has faced its fair share of injuries this year, particularly within the pitching department. One of the key pitchers who has been affected by this is Talan Bell. The Gatorade Player of the Year for Florida, Talan has been recovering from Tommy John surgery. He recently made his much-anticipated debut for the Tigers against Presbyterian, marking a significant milestone in his comeback journey. I had the privilege of speaking with him over the past few months about his recovery and his experiences at Clemson.

Talan reflected on his rehabilitation process since arriving at college, saying, “Coming off Tommy John, you learn a lot more in college about how to take care of yourself and what you need to do and eat to be healthy.” His insight underscores the importance of self-care, especially for young athletes navigating the demanding college environment.

When I asked him about his experience at Clemson and whether college life had met his expectations, Talan responded with enthusiasm: “Clemson has been more than I could’ve ever asked for, and college baseball has surprised me in a lot of aspects but has definitely met all expectations.” It’s clear that his time at Clemson has been a rewarding experience, both on and off the field.

A key component of success in college athletics is the support system, especially from veteran players in the rotation. Talan spoke highly of his teammates Aidan and Ethan Darden, who have played an instrumental role in his development. “Aidan and Ethan have both taught me a lot, even from just watching them, but I have learned from a lot of other guys as well.” This camaraderie and mentorship have clearly made a significant impact on his growth as a player.

To wrap up our conversation, I asked Talan about his expectations for himself moving forward and how he plans to contribute to the team’s success in the coming months. His response was a reflection of his humble yet determined mindset: “I always have high expectations for myself, but I just hope I can help the team win in any way when I get the opportunity.”

Getting Talan back to full health and ready to perform will undoubtedly be a huge step in the right direction for the Tigers. With his return, Clemson's pitching staff, which has been plagued by injuries, stands to gain a crucial asset as the team looks to strengthen its bullpen for the remainder of the season.