It’s been a pretty positive week for Pat Narduzzi and the Pitt football program.
A solid recruiting class plus the news that first-team All-ACC defensive end Ejuan Price was granted a sixth season of eligibility would make any coaches day in early February.
But that news is pale in comparison to the fact that Narduzzi expects star running back James Conner to be back on the field in 2016.
Conner, the 2014 ACC Player of the Year, is back running and working out at the Pitt facility.
“He’s going through a huge battle in his life and he’s fighting for his life really, but he’s doing well,” Narduzzi told ESPN’s Jared Shanker . “I saw him yesterday in the hallway and he’s been working out with our kids to keep his sanity and he’s having fun doing it. That’s the key is he’s having fun beating cancer and he’s got a great attitude and looks good right now.”
“He will [beat cancer]. He will be playing for the Panthers next fall; I can guarantee that.”
Conner had a huge 2014 campaign before losing his 2015 season to a knee injury in the Panthers opener against Youngstown State. Conner was then diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in December.
In 2014 Conner racked up 1,765 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns, which led to him being named ACC Player of the Year.
After that diagnosis, Conner said he would be back.
“I will play football again. I will be at Heinz Field again,” Conner said. “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.”
Photo Credit: USA Today Sports
