James Conner Announces Decision to Enter NFL Draft
12/10/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Pitt junior running back James Conner has announced his plans to enter the 2017 NFL Draft after playing his final game with the Panthers at the New Era Pinstripe Bowl on Dec. 28.
Conner, whose last 12 months have seen the native of Erie, Pa., defeat cancer and return to first-team All-ACC form for Pitt by rushing for over 1,000 yards and scoring 20 touchdowns after also overcoming a knee injury, shared his decision to turn professional on Twitter Saturday.
Statement from Pitt Running Back James Conner:
"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 this possible. I will be declaring for the 2017 NFL Draft."
Statement from Pitt Head Coach Pat Narduzzi:
"I don't know if mere words can adequately express how I feel about James Conner. His strength, his courage and his kindness have impacted all of us beyond measure. I'm forever grateful for the opportunity to be part of his life these past two years.
"James and I have had many conversations about his dreams and aspirations, both in football and life. We know he will continue to make us all proud as he takes this next step to the NFL.
"James has expressed to me how he wants to end his Pitt career on a high note with his teammates and get that ninth win. We are going to cherish our remaining time and work hard together to finish the 2016 season on a great, memorable note."
Conner and the Panthers face Northwestern in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl on Dec. 28 in New York City. The game, played at iconic Yankee Stadium, will kick off at 2 p.m., and be nationally televised by ESPN. Conner will have the chance to add to his own ACC all-time career records for combined touchdowns (56) and rushing scores (52).
Pitt enters the postseason with an 8-4 record and boasting Top 25 rankings in the Associated Press poll (No. 22) and College Football Playoff ratings (No. 23).
#H2P | Twitter | Instagram ?
Conner, whose last 12 months have seen the native of Erie, Pa., defeat cancer and return to first-team All-ACC form for Pitt by rushing for over 1,000 yards and scoring 20 touchdowns after also overcoming a knee injury, shared his decision to turn professional on Twitter Saturday.
Statement from Pitt Running Back James Conner:
"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 this possible. I will be declaring for the 2017 NFL Draft."
Statement from Pitt Head Coach Pat Narduzzi:
"I don't know if mere words can adequately express how I feel about James Conner. His strength, his courage and his kindness have impacted all of us beyond measure. I'm forever grateful for the opportunity to be part of his life these past two years.
"James and I have had many conversations about his dreams and aspirations, both in football and life. We know he will continue to make us all proud as he takes this next step to the NFL.
"James has expressed to me how he wants to end his Pitt career on a high note with his teammates and get that ninth win. We are going to cherish our remaining time and work hard together to finish the 2016 season on a great, memorable note."
Conner and the Panthers face Northwestern in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl on Dec. 28 in New York City. The game, played at iconic Yankee Stadium, will kick off at 2 p.m., and be nationally televised by ESPN. Conner will have the chance to add to his own ACC all-time career records for combined touchdowns (56) and rushing scores (52).
Pitt enters the postseason with an 8-4 record and boasting Top 25 rankings in the Associated Press poll (No. 22) and College Football Playoff ratings (No. 23).
#H2P | Twitter | Instagram ?
Players Mentioned
RB
/ FootballPitt Football | West Virginia Week | Coach Narduzzi Presser | 9.8.25
Monday, September 08
Postgame vs. Central Michigan | 9.6.25
Saturday, September 06
Game 2 vs Central Michigan Hype Video | Pitt Football
Saturday, September 06
Coach Darveau Mic'd Up | Pitt LiveWire presented by UPMC
Thursday, September 04