NFL Draft 2016: Ranking the Top 10 Running Backs for Next Year
Sep 5, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Pittsburgh Panters running back James Conner (24) runs the ball against Boston College Eagles defensive back Bryce Jones (17) defending during the first half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
But he managed to rush for 1,765 yards and 26 touchdowns on 298 carries, averaging just under six yards per carry. Even in losses, he had great performances, including 263 rushing yards and three touchdowns against a very good Duke defense, 85 yards and two touchdowns against a solid Virginia Tech defense, and 214 yards in a 30-20 win over Boston College.
At 6’2″ 250 pounds, Conner is a huge back who can run over people, but he also proved he could be the heart of an offense by himself and will be a very welcome addition to any team in the NFL that takes him. Depending on how he does in 2015, he could be a first-rounder in next year’s NFL Draft.
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James Conner
Junior, Pittsburgh Panthers
Yes, Paul Chryst came from Bret Bielema’s system, meaning it should be hard to trust running backs that played for the Pittsburgh Panthers. But we should definitely make an exception for James Conner.
Conner was a sophomore with no passing game and no real talent on his team in general playing in a conference made up of good defenses. Oh, and there was a heck of a lot of inexperience to go along with it.
But he managed to rush for 1,765 yards and 26 touchdowns on 298 carries, averaging just under six yards per carry. Even in losses, he had great performances, including 263 rushing yards and three touchdowns against a very good Duke defense, 85 yards and two touchdowns against a solid Virginia Tech defense, and 214 yards in a 30-20 win over Boston College.
At 6’2″ 250 pounds, Conner is a huge back who can run over people, but he also proved he could be the heart of an offense by himself and will be a very welcome addition to any team in the NFL that takes him. Depending on how he does in 2015, he could be a first-rounder in next year’s NFL Draft.
Next: #1: Ezekiel Elliott