Hubie Graham And Rushel Shell Projected As Breakout Players

by CardiacHill on Aug 14, 2025 7:00 AM EDT

Athlon took time to project some breakout players for the Big East. Pitt had two representatives - tight end Hubie Graham and running back Rushel Shell.

I agree on one - the other? I'm not so sure.

I fully expect Graham to put together a good season. When I saw him in the scrimmage this weekend, he was targeted quite a bit. Head coach Paul Chryst likes to use his tight ends and I expect Graham will get plenty of opportunities. He's a nice big target that Tino Sunseri can also use as a bit of a safety blanket and hit on shorter routes. As Athlon's article points out, Graham had 28 catches last year and I expect him to top that in 2012.

Shell, though, might have to wait for his chance to shine. Isaac Bennett has looked unbelievably well since last season ended and had a great spring. He's the clear No. 2 back right now behind Ray Graham and those two could really eat up the bulk of the carries. Chryst likes to split up his running backs' reps, but if both Graham and Bennett play well, it's hard to envision Shell will get a ton of chances.

Be sure to join Cardiac Hill's Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @PittPantherBlog for our regular updates on Pitt football and basketball.

Panthers Fan Confidence Poll

Last tallied on 08/08.

Tweet Comment 13 comments | Add comment | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Read More: Tino Sunseri (QB - Pittsburgh), Hubie Graham (TE - Pittsburgh), Ray Graham (RB - Pittsburgh), Isaac Bennett (RB - Pittsburgh), Pittsburgh Panthers

Comments

Anson, I may disagree a bit here...

I really think we’ll see Shell get many carries after a while.

It sounds like Ray Graham isnt really at game speed at all and we are 19days from Game 1. I have to imagine he is being smart, allowing the knee to really recover and then let the coaches phase him in.

We must remember, he is playing for his career at this point, ‘playing for the draft’ as they often say.

Crockett hasn’t done much with the opportunity he has with this situation, so I can see Shell getting some serious reps in there, Isaac cant do it all.

But, you were there for the scrimmage, not me.

And yes, Hubie will have a great year. I love screaming “HUUUUUUEEEEEBIEEEE” at the games.

by H.LandPitt on Aug 13, 2025 3:04 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

reps yeah, as far as 'breakout,' not so sure

by H.LandPitt on Aug 13, 2025 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Shell

That’s fair – and really, my assessment is more on Bennett, so you’re right in that Shell will get more time if Graham isn’t ready. And you’re right in that he should be extra cautious for his NFL career.

But if he’s ready, I just don’t see Shell getting a ton of time. And don’t discount Crockett and Davis (I know below that you wondered if he transferred). Those two both got carries on Saturday, though Shell probably got more.

In the end, as you say, it’s really all about what Graham does.

Manager of Cardiac Hill - SB Nation's Pitt Panthers blog
Follow @PittPantherBlog

by CardiacHill on Aug 13, 2025 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions

i think you're dead on about this one

i’d be pretty surprised (pleasantly) if shell has a big impact on the team this season. even with graham limited isaac bennett is clearly in the driver’s seat to get the most reps and dont forget about davis, he is lightning fast and could be the change of pace guy. you never know how injuries are gonna play out but i think that’s the only way shell gets any meaningful playing time this year. hubie on the other hand is poised to have a big season and holtz could actually get his share too. cant wait til kickoff, go pitt.

by panthro on Aug 13, 2025 3:14 PM EDT reply actions

Hey, didnt Davis transfer?

by H.LandPitt on Aug 13, 2025 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Davis

No, still there – I saw him at Saturday’s scrimmage.

Manager of Cardiac Hill - SB Nation's Pitt Panthers blog
Follow @PittPantherBlog

by CardiacHill on Aug 13, 2025 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Don't underestimate Shell....

Rushel Shell is NO ordinary Frosh running back…..he has talent for days and when he hits the field….its going to be hard to keep him off……He’s going to get his time to shine and he will prove his worth on the goal line…..Graham will be limited by his knee in the beginning but will slowly but surely come around….Issac Bennet will struggle this season…..IMO……giving Shell his opportunity to impress…..but lets hope im wrong for Pitts sake…..

by Tigermann777 on Aug 13, 2025 3:38 PM EDT reply actions

i for one am not underestimating the talents of shell

i’m just recognizing how difficult it is for freshmen in general to not only crack the strating line-up but then to really excel beyond that. d-1 is a whole new ball game, dont forget all of these guys were high school superstars of a similar ilk to shell. it’s not just getting the ball and running with it, it’s knowing the offense, picking up blitzes, making the correct reads, these are the things that usually trip up freshmen and my guess is shell will have the same difficulties making the transition as every other freshmen in the country. i do not doubt shell’s abilities though and i think when he gets the finer points of the game worked out he will be an excellent rb. but these things usually take time no matter how much hype there is

by panthro on Aug 13, 2025 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Shell

Agree fully about the talent. That’s why I tried to fit that into the article. I fully expect him to be a star at Pitt in Chryst’s offense. But as panthro points out above, there’s lots to it that freshman just need to learn.

And while I can’t guarantee that Bennett will be a star, I’d be curious to find out why you think he’ll struggle this season. I’m not guaranteeing success for him, but he’s done nothing in the spring or so far in the fall to make us think he’s not going to have a good year.

Manager of Cardiac Hill - SB Nation's Pitt Panthers blog
Follow @PittPantherBlog

by CardiacHill on Aug 13, 2025 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions

I could be off base here

But either last year or maybe the year before, didn’t Wisconsin have three backs all go near or over 1,000 yards? Obviously, not saying that’ll happen here, but given the depth, the QB situation, Graham’ s knee, and what looks like it could be a pretty decent defense, I don’t think it’s out of the question that the offense can keep three backs fed to some degree.

by 85 on Aug 13, 2025 5:02 PM EDT reply actions

Wisconsin

No, you’re right – they had two with over 1,000 and one with like 990 something, I think. But I mentioned this before – the offensive lines are two different situations. Wisconsin’s line had a great deal to do with their success, I’m sure, and while Chryst is the coach, to expect similar results would be a bit unrealistic.

But I think your point is more to the fact that he can play three guys and that’s true.

Manager of Cardiac Hill - SB Nation's Pitt Panthers blog
Follow @PittPantherBlog

by CardiacHill on Aug 13, 2025 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions

I was bored and over excited today..

so I was watching a 2011 R. Wilson highlight video, but only to watch their Olne..and boy..we have some work to do…that line was RIDIC. Their left and right DE’s were just amazing..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8r7wLnb1xc

I also wated to see some of the sets they ran…

by H.LandPitt on Aug 13, 2025 6:50 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs