University High added a star to its backfield after it was announced that running back is transferring from Lafayette Christian to join the Cubs.
Bellard is a three-star recruit, according to 247Sports. The 5-foot-10, 195-pound junior is one of the top running back recruits in the state for the Class of 2028.
Lafayette Christian coach Matt Standiford confirmed Wednesday that Bellard is transferring to University High.
Bellard put up big numbers last year, rushing for 1,555 yards and 21 touchdowns on 237 carries. He holds more than 30 college offers, including several Power Four programs like LSU, Alabama, Florida, Michigan and Ohio State.
“He catches the ball really well out of the backfield, which is a trade that not many high-end running backs have,” Standiford said. “He has really good vision. He can see a hole before it's really there and he really did that well last year.”
Bellard joins a backfield currently led by senior Corbin Odell, who ran for 828 yards and 11 touchdowns on 108 carries last year for the Cubs. U-High split most of the rushing attempts last season between Odell and now-graduated Sage Ingram.
With Bellard joining the team, it's possible the Cubs could use a similar formula offensively.
Bellard joins other notable additions to U-High this season. Quarterback Knox Kiffin, the son of LSU coach Lane Kiffin, transferred to University High from Oxford, Mississippi, this offseason.
Junior wide receiver Kevin Smith also joined U-High this season after spending last year at Oxford High.
U-High's new additions will look to build off last season, which ended with a 10-3 record and a loss in the Division II select state semifinals against St. Charles Catholic.