Pittsburgh RB James Conner out for season with torn MCL

Pitt running back James Conner is out for the season after suffering a torn MCL in the Panthers season opener.

James Conner won the ACC Player of the Year last year and was on the short list for the award this year as well as the Doak Walker and Heisman Trophy, but Pittsburgh’s star running back won’t have a shot at them after suffering a torn MCL in the opener that will sideline him the rest of the season.

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Conner rushed for the seventh-highest total in the FBS last year with 1,765 yards, the fourth-highest total in Pitt single-season history and the most-ever by a sophomore in ACC history. His 26 touchdowns and 156 points set a new single-season record at Pitt.

“Even with all of his success last year, James attacked his preparation for this season like he was fighting to earn a starting spot,” Pat Narduzzi said Monday, via CBS Sports. “He is a tremendous competitor and teammate. After he was injured on Saturday, James was constantly in the ear of his teammates, encouraging them and coaching them on the sideline. Our entire program shares his disappointment but we will also be behind him every step of the way in his recovery.”

“I greatly appreciate everyone’s support and well wishes,” Conner said, via a statement released by the school. “This is a temporary setback and I’m going to work even harder to bounce back. Even though I won’t be able to play this season, I’m going to be right beside my teammates and help them every way I can to have a great season.”

Replacing Conner in the lineup is expected to be Chris James in the starting lineup, but freshman Qadree Ollison is the player to watch after he ran for 207 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries against Youngstown State.

It will be interesting to see if Conner returns to Pitt for his senior year or declares for the 2016 NFL Draft where he projects to be a second or third round pick.

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