Former Pitt RB Rushel Shell transferring to West Virginia, not Kentucky

Former Pittsburgh Panthers running back Rushel Shell decided Friday to transfer to West Virginia, according to ESPN's Brett McMurphy. Shell's choice, since leaving Pitt and briefly selecting UCLA, had narrowed to WVU vs. Kentucky, also according to McMurphy.

Former Pitt RB @MrRushelShell told me he's transferring to West Virginia. Shell must sit out 2013; will have 3 years eligibility

— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) July 26, 2013

The 6'0, 215-pound Pennsylvania native accumulated 744 yards from scrimmage as a freshman.

West Virginia has also welcomed in a transfer from Houston, running back Charles Sims, who's eligible to play right away. Sims put up 851 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in only nine games for the Cougars in 2012, averaging six yards per carry. He also caught 37 balls for 373 yards and three touchdowns, so he can be productive in the passing game as well. He's averaged 1,357 yards from scrimmage per year in his three-year career.

In those nine games, Sims more or less equalled WVU's leading rusher from last year, junior Andrew Buie, who had 851 yards in 13 games. Still, there are plenty of touches to go around in Dana Holgorsen's offense, as the returning numbers show.

With both Sims and Buie this year and Shell for the future, West Virginia's running game has suddenly become a very intriguing strength.

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