Rushel Shell Won't Transfer To UCLA, Seeks Return To Pitt

Pittsburgh Panthers running back Rushel Shell, who announced his plans to transfer to UCLA in April, has notified the Pitt coaching staff that he intends to return to the team, a source told ESPN.com. Shell rushed for 641 yards and four touchdowns on 141 carries as a true freshman last season.

Since he never actually enrolled at UCLA, his return to Pitt would be a much less complicated process. However, the team must decide if they want to reinstate the running back and "nothing has definitely been resolved", a source added.

Shell intends to stay at Pitt to be closer to his twin daughters living in Pennsylvania, rather than move across the country. The Los Angeles Times reported that the running back backed out of his intention to join the Bruins because the distance was too great between he and his children.

Shell's rushing totals were the second most amongst Pitt running backs last season. However, he decided to leave the team midway through spring practice to "work through some challenges," the University announced.

On April 2, head coach Paul Chryst announced the running back's plans to transfer. "I wish him only the best moving forward," Chryst said at the time. "Out of respect for Rushel, his family and his privacy, this will be my final comment on the matter."

Two weeks later, Shell announced his plans to attend UCLA. A decorated high school prospect, Shell held the Pennsylvania state record for career rushing yards while playing for Hopewell High in Aliquippa.