RB Rushel Shell visits UCLA

Former five-star running back Rushel Shell attended UCLA’s practice on Saturday, standing on the sideline wearing a white Bruins football sweater. Shell is exploring options after deciding to transfer out of Pitt, where he was second on the team with 641 yards as a freshman. He ended last season with four touchdowns, as well as a 157-yard game against Virginia Tech.

Shell requested clearance to transfer to UCLA, Cal, Arizona State or Arizona, but Pitt blocked the latter two options. Former Pitt coach Todd Graham coaches at ASU, while a number of former assistants work for the Wildcats.

Cal is reportedly uninterested in Shell, which leaves the Bruins as the most likely option. The 5-foot-11 back looked out of game shape on Saturday, but won’t be eligible to play anyway until 2014 due to transfer rules.

Shell also talked with UCLA’s all-time rushing leader Johnathan Franklin for a few minutes on the sideline.