James Conner

Conner entered 2015 as one of college football's most productive running backs, only to suffer a likely season-ending torn MCL in the team's opener against Youngstown State. It was then announced on Dec. 4 that Connor was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma -- the same form of cancer that plagued and was ultimately beaten by Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry, among others. Before the announcement, Conner had been considering skipping his senior season to enter the NFL early, despite missing virtually all of this season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn MCL suffered in Pitt's opener against Youngstown State. NFL scouts contacted following Conner's announcement stated the obvious: that he'll need to beat cancer before returning to the game. They also acknowledged that the 6-foot-2, 240-pound Conner has the talent to play at the next level. "He's a brute," one high-ranking scout told NFLDraftScout.com, speaking on the condition of anonymity. "He isn't going to outrun defenders at our level to the edges but he's an effective rusher inside with enough vision, burst and power." That power is best illustrated by his gaudy touchdown statistics. Conner ran for two scores on only eight attempts in the season opener before hurting his knee and he has rushed for 36 touchdowns and 2,641 yards over his career. Much of this came a year ago when Connor broke the legendary Tony Dorsett's single-season school mark of 24 rushing touchdowns with 26, earning both the ACC's Offensive and overall Player of the Year. While scouts are intrigued by Conner's physical talent, they'll likely be even more impressed with the mental toughness he demonstrated in pledging his return to health and the game. "I will play football again," Conner said. "I will be at Heinz Field again. I have the best coaches and teammates in the country. I thank God I chose Pitt because now I also have the best doctors in the country and together we will win. I know this city has my back." Conner was coming off a 1,765 rushing yard season that earned him ACC Player of the Year honors in 2014. He rushed for an ACC-record 26 touchdowns and earned First Team All-American honors, just the third Pitt running back to achieve that status (Craig ?Ironhead? Heyward ? 1987, Tony Dorsett ? 1976).

conner, who is beloved within the pitt program for his work ethic and leadership, doesn't have the speed or twitchy moves to consistently make defenders miss and create his own yardage with elusiveness. any loss of speed from the mcl injury will only enhance those concerns.

IN OUR VIEW

strengths

A smash-mouth, physical ballcarrier, Conner does an excellent job running behind his pads and attacking the line of scrimmage with purpose. He is much more than simply a battering ram, however, quickly reading blocks and picking up momentum off his plant foot to keep his legs pumping and finish falling forward. He runs decisive and makes it a chore on tacklers to get him on the ground.

nfl scouts were skeptical about his transition and role at the next level even before his season-ending injury in the team's season opener and subsequent cancer diagnosis.

If he returns to the field, Conner will be a fascinating test case for the current style of the NFL because 25 years ago, he likely would be viewed as a lock first-round pick due to his bruising run power. But 250-pound running backs with 4.7-4.8 speed aren't found on many rosters in today's NFL.

weaknesses

Diagnosed with Hodkin's lymphoma, and must beat the cancer before reconsidering his football future. Torn MCL in season-opener in 2015 will require lengthy rehab and in-depth medical evaluations.

2015: Suffered a torn MCL in the season opener and underwent season-ending knee surgery. It was later announced on Dec. 4 that Conner was diagnosed with Hodkin's lymphoma.

Highly productive runner and pass rusher at McDowell, earning accolades for both roles

selected All-State Class AAAA by the Pennsylvania Sports Writers as a senior running back

named Pennsylvania Football News All-Class AAAA at running back his senior year and as a defensive lineman his junior year

Erie Times-News All-District 10

led McDowell to the quarterfinals of the PIAA Class AAAA playoffs as a senior after rushing for 1,680 yards and 21 touchdowns on 155 carries, an impressive average of 10.8 yards per rush

set a McDowell single-season record with 164 points, including 26 touchdowns (tied for the most in school history), three 2-point conversions and a safety

also set school records for sacks in a season (12) and career (17)

selected to play in the Chesapeake Bowl, a senior all-star game featuring players from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia

Conner averaged 7.1 yards per rush in the Chesapeake Bowl (71 yards on 10 carries) and scored a five-yard TD to help the North to a 38-13 win over the South

rated the No. 13 prospect in Pennsylvania and the nation's No. 26 weakside defensive end by Rivals

rated one of the top 40 prospects in Pennsylvania by Scout

played under Coach Mark Soboleski.

James Earl Conner, born 5/5/95, is the son of Kelly Patterson and Glen Conner

has four brothers

in June 2016, was presented with the inaugural "James Conner Courage Award" by Stanley M. Marks, MD, who was James' oncologist and serves as chairman of the UPMC CancerCenter

Conner was honored by the National Kidney Foundation in March 2015 with the "Small Hands Big Heart" Award for his volunteer work with the organization

administration of justice major.

2016

rushing
YPC	TD	YDS	CAR	LONG
5.1	16.0	1092.0	216.0	40.0

receiving
REC	YPR	TD	LONG	YDS
21.0	14.4	4.0	55.0	302.0

fumbles
REC	LOST	FUM
0.0	1.0	1.0

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
0.0	0.0	1.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

2015

rushing
YPC	TD	YDS	CAR	LONG
9.6	2.0	77.0	8.0	40.0

receiving
REC	YPR	TD	LONG	YDS
1.0	7.0	0.0	7.0	7.0