Rushel Shell #4 of the Pittsburgh Panthers carries the ball against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the game on November 24, 2012 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo Credit: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) — Pitt freshman running back Rushel Shell has filed paperwork and will leave the University, 93.7 The Fan’s Morning Show host Gregg Giannotti has learned.

The Associated Press reported last week that Shell had taken time off from football for what head coach Paul Chryst called “challenges.”

Chris Peak of PantherLair.com said it’s possible that Shell could be headed toward a West Coast school.

“We’ll see where he eventually ends up,” Peak said.

Shell, the Pennsylvania high school all time rushing leader ran for 641 yards and four touchdowns in his first season for the Panthers last fall.

Shell, a highly recruited running back out of Hopewell High School in Beaver County, chose Pitt over Alabama when Todd Graham was Pitt’s football coach.

Graham left Pitt for Arizona State in December of 2011.

The University is expected to make an official announcement on Tuesday regarding Shell’s departure.

Listen to Chris Peak of PantherLair.com talk about Shell’s move on The Fan: