Pitt RB Rushel Shell transferring to UCLA

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As expected, Pitt running back Rushel Shell is transferring to UCLA after a weekend campus visit. The former five-star recruit rushed for 641 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman last season, and will be eligible to play in 2014.

Rivals.com first reported the news. Listed at 6-foot, 215 pounds, Shell has a good shot at starting for the Bruins once he does take the field. UCLA will use a running back committee this fall, but no candidate has rushed for more than 262 yards in a season. Jordon James, Paul Perkins and Malcolm Jones have split touches through spring camp; no one has a clear lead after two weeks.

The Panthers helped Jim Mora and his staff land Shell by blocking Arizona State and Arizona as potential destinations. Former Pitt coach Todd Graham coaches ASU, while former assistants work for the Wildcats. Shell also looked at transferring to Cal, but the Bears were reportedly not interested.