James Conner

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

2015