Yesterday’s shocking news that Pitt sophomore running back Rushel Shell was looking to transfer has taken another turn, as now it looks as if Shell will be taking a step back from football for the time being.
Shell, as I reported yesterday, was looking to transfer, but has not formally requested the paperwork to do so, according to multiple sources.
Pitt head coach Paul Chryst issued a statement on the situation.
“Like many college freshmen, Rushel is working through some challenges right now. As it is for all members of our team, my most important concern is his personal well-being. Rushel and his family have our full support. We are giving him time away from football to work through this situation but he very much remains a part of our family on a daily basis. We want to be sensitive and respectful of Rushel, and I would ask others to do the same.”
Shell missed Tuesday’s practice with “an excused absence,” and Chryst added that Shell “had a couple things” he needed to work through before returning.
The Hopewell native is likely to be the Panthers’ starting running back heading into the 2013 season, after rushing for 641 yards and four touchdowns as a backup last season.
Before the recent developments, he had been taking all of the first team reps in Pitt’s spring practices.
Photo Credit: Post-Gazette
