MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Rushel Shell averaged 4.5 yards per carry as a freshman at Pitt, then 4.5 again as a sophomore at West Virginia and, most recently, 4.4 last year.
Those numbers represent a steady trajectory, yet one far from spectacular. The former five-star recruit finished 12th in Big East per-carry average in 2012, and has ranked 16th and 22nd through two Big 12 campaigns.
Entering his senior season, Shell has yet to reach the 800-yard mark and is facing his last chance to become a college standout.
“The time is now,” said West Virginia running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider.