Nov 12, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) carries the ball during the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Photo Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh running back James Conner took to social media to announce that he will forgo his senior season and enter the 2017 NFL draft.
Conner, who overcame Hodgkin’s lymphoma, rushed for 1,060 yards and 16 touchdowns in his final season with the Panthers. He finishes his collegiate career with 3,701 yards on 660 carries with 52 touchdowns.
Conner posted a picture depicting his back on Twitter with the following words:
“Blessed to have been given the opportunity to play at this great university. I have given it everything I got and will do it one more time in New York City for my brothers at Pitt. When they talk about someone who made a positive impact on the program, I hope that they mention my name. Thank you to my family, my friends, and everyone who made his possible. I will be declaring for the 2017 NFL draft.”
Conner added the words “Forever Grateful” under the picture.
Conner emerged as an intriguing NFL prospect as a sophomore with 1,765 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns, receiving 2014 ACC Offensive Player of the Year honors. However, he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the 2015 season opener and was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s lymphoma a few months later.
Conner kept a positive attitude and learned on May 23 that the cancer was gone after his 12th chemotherapy treatment.
“I don’t know if mere words can adequately express how I feel about James Conner,” Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi wrote on Twitter. “His strength, his courage and his kindness have impacted all of us beyond measure. I’m forever grateful to be part of his life these past two years.”
When healthy, Conner has next-level talent and was viewed as a possible top-100 draft pick. Listed at 6 feet 2 and 240 pounds, he is a bruising ball carrier who runs with balance, vision and physical finish to make a living between the tackles.
Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry was sidelined by Hodgkin’s lymphoma and made a successful return to the field for the 2015 season, nearly nine months after his initial diagnosis. He was named to the 2015 Pro Bowl and NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
