Shortly after it was confirmed that running back Rushel Shell would be transferring from Pitt, Joe Schad of ESPN reported that two schools on Shell’s new wish list -- Arizona and Arizona State -- would not be able to benefit from his services. At least not without a university hearing or with a grant-in-aid. The reason? Former Pitt coach Todd Graham currently coaches at ASU, and several former Panther assistants now coach under Rich Rodriguez at Arizona.
But two other Pac-12 schools -- Cal and UCLA -- were expected to be given the thumbs up. According to both the LA Times and Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Shell is already planning a visit to UCLA today. There was no word from either publication on Shell’s intentions to visit Cal, if there are any. If Shell were to transfer to any Division 1 program, he would have to sit out one year to satisfy NCAA regulations before being eligible in 2014.
Shell was Pitt’s second-leading rusher with 641 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman last season.