"It's a big bonus to be close to home," said Shell.

Shell looks forward to working with head coach Todd Graham and is setting his goals high.

"He (Graham) think his offense will fit me well," said Shell. "Past running backs have been great. They have a high octane offense. I'm hoping by me coming in, I bring a couple more commitments in and from there go to a national championship."

Shell initially planned to make the announcement on Friday night on ESPNU. The station is carrying the Hopewell at Central Valley game.

Shell also showed interest in Alabama.

"They had a good shot at the beginning. I thought Pitt was the perfect fit," said Shell.

Two weeks prior to the announcement, Fedko talked one-on-one with Shell who expressed that making a choice was a weight off of his shoulders.

“I don’t have to sit up and worry about what school I’m going to go to,” said Shell.

Shell became the WPIAL’s all-time leading rusher this season. He broke record holder Mike Vernillo’s record with a touchdown on Sept. 24 during a game against WPIAL AAAA team Mt. Lebanon. Hopewell, a AAA team, won the game.

“It’s a great feeling. I honestly couldn’t be here without my teammates,” Shell told Channel 11 after that game.

Shell is currently ranked as the 11th best overall prospect and third best running back in the class of 2012 by MaxPreps, 20th best overall prospect and fourth best running back by Scout.com and 24th best overall prospect and third best running back by ESPNU.

RELATED VIDEOS:

Hopewell Football Star Shell Talks To Fedko About College Decision Hopewell's Rushel Shell Becomes WPIAL's All-Time Leading Rusher Hopewell RB Rushel Shell Looks Forward To 2011 Season 2011 Hopewell Interviews: Rushel Shell, Nolan Harmotto, Dave Vestal 2010 Player Interview: Hopewell's Rushel Shell

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