UCLA football: Bruins pick up JC quarterback Darius Bell

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Darius Bell, a quarterback from San Francisco City College, said he has committed to play at UCLA. He is eligible to play this fall.

Bell threw for 1,905 yards and 21 touchdowns at San Francisco last season. He also gained 870 yards and scored 12 touchdowns rushing. Bell said UCLA’s switch to the “pistol” offense, which highlights a quarterback’s running abilities, influenced his decision.

UCLA used the “pistol” exclusively during spring practice.

“I wasn’t interested in UCLA until I found out that they were incorporating the ‘pistol’ ” said Bell, who will have three years of eligibility remaining. “That, and academics, were the things that attracted me to UCLA.”

UCLA already has a No. 1 quarterback in sophomore Kevin Prince, who started 11 games last season. Bell, though, said he was not deterred by the fact he would have to beat out an incumbent.

“The way I see it, most teams have a No. 1 quarterback coming into the season,” said Bell, the brother of former UCLA running back Kahlil Bell. “As long as I get the opportunity to show I can play. They told me I will have the opportunity to prove myself and that’s all I can ask for.”

--Chris Foster