Pitt Running Back Situation.

Ray Graham

              The Running Back situation at Pitt appears to be the most stable position on offense, and perhaps the whole team.  The health of Ray Graham is important, but not detrimental to Pitt's success on offense. He may not be 100% to start the season, but will likely get there soon enough. That is not a problem as Pitt has some talented underclassmen that will be able to carry the team.  Isaac Bennett got to see action at the back end of 2011 and responded very well. He has a lot of promise and as a Sophomore will play a big role into the future as well as this season.  Rushel Shell is one of the most highly anticipated Pitt recruits ever. He is the state of Pennsylvania's leading rusher of all time. He boasted an offer sheet in High School of nearly every top program. Shell will most certainly be expected to come in and get his opportunities right away. Shell possessed college size  as a High School Sophomore. He is a unique talent that will factor into Pitt's success for the next three seasons. Ray Graham will be the go to guy as he was the leading rusher in the nation before his knee injury. Shell and Bennett will both get carries, and will battle for that number two spot. I believe there will not be much of a difference as Paul Chryst has found ways to get three Running Backs the ball at Wisconsin. The depth will be a good thing. Corey Davis will be safety valve for Pitt. He is a small scat back that could be a change of pace guy here and there.

Rushel Shell

                 The future for Pitt Running Backs is in good hands. Rushel Shell and Isaac Bennett will be around for the next few years. Pitt also has Corey Clement committed for 2013. He is from New Jersey and runs a lot like former Panther, LeSean McCoy. Running Back has always been a strong position for Pitt as they have produced Hall of Famers like Tony Dorsett and Curtis Martin. There has been a strong stretch of late also. LaRod Stephens-Howling,LeSean McCoy, and Dion Lewis are all in the NFL and had successful Pitt careers.  Ray Graham, Isaac Bennett, Rushel Shell, and Corey Clement have the ability to follow in the footsteps of recent Pitt Running Backs for successful college careers and perhpas future professional careers. Paul Chryst has had some special Running Backs at Wisconsin, but there likely will not be any drop off with the talent he has at Pitt.