Granted his conditional release from Pitt, running back Rushel Shell has started his search for a new home. The former blue-chip recruit visited UCLA this past weekend and appears ready to make a decision in the not too distant future.
“Maybe today, maybe tomorrow,” Shell told the Los Angeles Times about his timeline for deciding.
Though UCLA was not Shell’s only possible landing spot -- he was reportedly interested in Cal as well -- it appears the Bruins have the edge right now.
“I love it here in Los Angeles,” Shell said. “This whole environment is great.”
Should Shell transfer to UCLA, or any Division FBS program, he will have to sit out a year to satisfy NCAA rules. He would be allowed to play in 2014 and have three years of eligibility remaining. Though the Bruins are looking for a replacement for Johnathan Franklin this year, Shell would provide a solid playmaker in the backfield going forward.
As a freshman for the Panthers, Shell was the team’s second-leading rusher with 641 yards and four touchdowns.