Despite coach Todd Graham's abrupt defection from the Pittsburgh Panthers to the Arizona St. Sun Devils, at least three of his recruits have indicated they plan to honor their commitments to the university. Wide receiver Marzett Geter, who's verbally committed to Pitt, explains via Twitter:
Me, Dokata, Rushel shell just had a talk. We are sticking together. #HailToPitt
Here, Geter refers to quarterback Dakota Conwell and running back Russel Shell, the last of whom is a big-time prospect for Pitt. "Shell is a consensus top 50 recruit in the 2012 recruiting class and is one of the top 5 running backs for 2012," notes Cardiac Hill, SB Nation's Pitt blog. Shell chose the Panthers over the Alabama Crimson Tide, among other highly respected programs, so the fact that Graham's defection hasn't deterred him from joining Pitt bodes well for the Panthers going forward.
As a junior in 2010, Shell gained 2510 yards on 323 carries (a 7.8-yard average) for Hopewell High School. He scored 32 touchdowns.
For more on the Panthers, please visit Cardiac Hill, SB Nation's Pittsburgh blog.