News:Rushel Shell has decided to leave Pittsburgh and will seek a transfer, likely to a Pac-12 school, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Analysis:Rushel Shell had been excused from spring practice to think his decision through, and has decided to leave school. Isaac Bennett and Malcolm Crockett are next on the Panthers' depth chart. It's a huge loss for Pittsburgh and a major gain for whatever school Shell chooses next. Shell was one of the elite recruits of 2012.
News:Rushel Shell has been excused indefinitely from spring practice, and is pondering a transfer, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Analysis:Rushel Shell figured to slide in to Ray Graham's starting position, and post very viable fantasy numbers in 2013. Should he ultimately depart, Isaac Bennett and Malcolm Crockett would battle to replace him, but neither has the upside of Shell.
Pittsburgh's Shell Starts Compass Bowl, Runs for 79 Yards
News:Rushel Shell had 25 carries for 79 yards in the Compass Bowl on Saturday against Ole Miss. He started and received the majority of carries with Ray Graham (hamstring) missing his final collegiate game.
Analysis:Rushel Shell had a productive freshman season and was able to get enough work with Graham to show his potential for the future. The 6-1, 215 lb running back looks like he could be a battering ram for the Panthers for the next few years. He did have some back problems, but played in every game except the opener (during which he was suspended).
News:Rushel Shell had 11 carries for 54 yards Saturday against South Florida.
Analysis:Rushel Shell had a nice run of touchdowns in October, but missed a game with back spasms. He has not scored a touchdown in his last four games. Shell should be a good back to get in fantasy drafts in 2013.
News:Rushel Shell had 11 carries for 43 yards Saturday against Rutgers. He added a reception for 13 yards.
Analysis:Rushel Shell only had seven carries in his previous two games, but ran effectively against the Scarlet Knights. He has had an inconsistent freshman season, but Shell did have some nice highs. Shell could be a stud next year.
News:Rushel Shell has only had seven carries for 25 yards in the last two games, but coach Paul Chryst said that has been due to game situations rather than anything Shell has done wrong, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.
Analysis: The Panthers leaned on senior Ray Graham against Notre Dame and had to try to come back against Connecticut. Chryst said he hopes to get both Graham and Rushel Shell a good share of carries in the last two games of the regular season.
News:Rushel Shell had 12 carries for 79 yards and a touchdown on Saturday against Temple.
Analysis:Rushel Shell opened the scoring with a one-yard dive. He has rushed for 79 yards or more three times and will be a monster for the Panthers next year.
News:Rushel Shell had 12 carries for 35 yards and a touchdown in addition to a 41-yard reception on Saturday against Buffalo.
Analysis:Rushel Shell has a big place in the Pitt offense. As long as the back spasms that limited him two weeks ago don't reoccur, he should be a good play in coming weeks because he will continue to get the ball.
News:Rushel Shell had 18 carries for 96 yards and a touchdown in the Saturday loss to Louisville. He added five receptions for 34 yards.
Analysis:Rushel Shell looked like the lead back for the Panthers, while Ray Graham was on the bench. Coach Paul Chryst will go with the hot hand and on Saturday, it was the freshman who was limited to one carry a week ago because of back spasms.
News:Rushel Shell, who was limited to one carry last week against Syracuse, has his back spasms under control, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis: Unlike last week, Rushel Shell has been able to practice so he should be available to relieve Ray Graham against Louisville on Saturday. Coach Paul Chryst has been impressed with Shell's maturity when dealing with the injury.
News:Rushel Shell was limited to one carry because of back troubles, the Pittsurgh Post-Gazette.
Analysis:Rushel Shell was on the field for just five plays. The back issue has plagued the freshman since training camp and may limit his play somewhat going forward.
