it's essentially a given that Rushel Shell will be playing this year. Still, new head coach Paul Chryst hinted recently that it could be a significant amount.

Shell said Pitt coach Paul Chryst told him to be ready.

"He said that I could make a lot of impact as a freshman," Shell said last week at the Big 33 game.

That's, of course, no guarantee Shell comes in and grabs a ton of carries. But with a bit of uncertainty about Ray Graham's health status, it's looking more and more likely that Shell will see his share of time on the field.

The other factor is Isaac Bennett. He's had the huge spring, but we'll have to see if that translates to success in actual games. Many are on the Bennett kick, and for good reason since he was serviceable last year as a freshman. But avoiding teammates' tackles in spring practice and dodging defenders in conference play are two entirely different things.

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