Pittsburgh Male Athlete of the Week
Buzz up!By Brian Graham, FOR THE TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Rushel Shell
School: Hopewell
Class: Sophomore
Sport: Football
Notable: Rushel Shell rushed for a career-best 349 yards on 23 carries and scored on runs of 84, 77 and 10 yards to lift Hopewell past West Allegheny, 34-26, on Friday. Shell ended the first half with 211 yards on 10 carries.
"Our line followed the rules they did a good job because (West Allegheny) had a big line," Shell said. "We had to block them, or we wouldn't get anywhere. Our fullback and wide receivers had some big blocks down field that allowed me to get open out there."
Shell, who has rushed for over 100 yards in 13 straight games, also eclipsed the 3,000-yard mark in just the 18th game of his career, ending the night with 3,008.
You've really burst onto the scene, and you're only a sophomore. What do you think you can improve on moving forward?
Everything. You can always improve on getting stronger, faster, reading the field and following your line.
What goals would you like to accomplish in your next two-plus years at Hopewell?
I just want to stay healthy and keep playing as a team player. Also, keep my head on straight.
What's the best piece of football advice you've received?
Try to make yourself the smallest target on the field. Tony Dorsett told me that.
What was it like talking to a football legend like Tony Dorsett?
It was a privilege. I just listened to everything he said and kept it close to my mind. The things he did could help me and benefit me down the road